As a pianist, he had a distinctive and influential style (the song title "Splanky" is an onomatopoetic reference to the sound of his playing), equally at home in the barrelhouse and the concert hall. Willie "The Lion" Smith, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller were among his influences.
As a bandleader, he created an organization (built upon the remains of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra) that was a favorite both of dancers and of vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and, of course, Billie Holiday. Equally important, it kept many musicians employed through lean years. Many jazz musicians of note built their chops and earned their bread and butter in Basie's organization.
In addition to Basie, the swinging "All American Rhythm Section" of his orchestra included greats such as Walter Page (bass), Jo Jones (drums), and Freddie Green (guitar). It was the greatest, most swinging rhythm sections in the history of jazz. Chief among its vocalists were, first, Jimmy Rushing and, later, Joe Williams. Over the years it boasted sidemen and soloists like Herschel Evans (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax), Buddy Tate (tenor sax), Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax), Earle Warren (alto sax), Jack Washington (alto & baritone sax), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet), Buck Clayton (trumpet), Thad Jones (trumpet), Snooky Young (trumpet), Benny Morton (trombone), Benny Powell (trombone), and Dicky Wells (trombone).
Basie also collaborated with artists such as Zoot Sims and Oscar Peterson, and recorded with ensembles large and small, including the Count Basie Trio, the Count Basie Sextet, and the Kansas City Seven. Notable arrangers included Eddie Durham (who helped shape the Basie Orchestra's sound) and Neal Hefti.
I'm Beginning to See the Light
Count Basie Lyrics
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I never wink back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I'm beginning to see the light
I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now
I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light
Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now
I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to see the light
In "I'm Beginning to See the Light," Count Basie sings about how he is experiencing a newfound appreciation of the simple pleasures in life, like the moonlit skies and the fireflies. He used to not care much for these things, but now that he is with someone special and sees the stars in their eyes, he's beginning to see the light. This newfound appreciation extends to other parts of his life as well, as he mentions never going for afterglow or candlelight on the mistletoe, but now turns the lamp down low with his partner.
The song paints a picture of a man who was content with his life before, but now he has found something that has ignited a spark in him. He used to ramble through the park shadowboxing in the dark, but now his partner has caused a spark that has turned into a four-alarm fire. The imagery of the fire symbolizes the intensity of the emotion he is feeling, and how it has transformed him.
Count Basie's "I'm Beginning to See the Light" is ultimately a song about newfound love and how it can open a person's eyes to the beauty that surrounds them, both in their partner and in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never found any joy in the beauty of the night sky
I never wink back at fireflies
I never paid attention to the small wonders in life
But now that the stars are in your eyes
Now that I see the reflection of the stars in your eyes, I'm realizing their beauty
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to understand and appreciate the simple things in life
I never went in for afterglow
I never enjoyed the calm and peaceful moments after sunset
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
I never appreciated the romantic ambience created by candlelight and mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
But now when you dim the light, I feel more comfortable and relaxed in your presence
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to realize the importance of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere
Used to ramble through the park
I used to wander aimlessly through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
I used to do pointless and empty activities in the darkness
Then you came and caused a spark
But when you entered my life, you ignited a new passion within me
That's a four-alarm fire now
That passion has grown into a blazing fire that consumes me
I never made love by lantern-shine
I always thought romance was overrated and didn't care about creating a romantic atmosphere
I never saw rainbows in my wine
I never saw beauty in the simple things in life, or in the small joys of a good glass of wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
Now that I'm experiencing the passion and excitement of being with you, I'm starting to appreciate the beauty of life
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm starting to understand that life is about enjoying the small moments and experiences that make it worthwhile
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to appreciate the beauty and joy that surrounds me, and to understand what makes life truly fulfilling
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm starting to grasp the significance of living life to the fullest, and experiencing all it has to offer
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Don George, Harry James, Johnny Hodges
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind