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 Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You
Count Basie Lyrics
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But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I know I must be dreaming
Count Basie's song "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You" is a love ballad sung by Basie himself. The lyrics describe a man's desperate love for a woman who is not interested in him. The song begins with the poignant lines, "I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly, but I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you." The singer is expressing his feelings of betrayal to himself, acknowledging that he passionately wants the woman he loves, but that he knows that she does not return the same feelings.
Throughout the song, there are references made to this woman's other lovers who surround her. Despite this obstacle, the singer still feels he has a chance with her as he suggests, "If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two, you might discover that I'm the lover meant for you." However, he's aware that his thoughts may be nothing more than daydreams, "but what's the good of scheming, I know I must be dreaming."
The song's melody matches the lyrics' melancholic tone, with Basie's voice crooning over the soft, mournful notes. The lyrics and the music combine to create a beautifully poignant love song, capturing the agony of unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I crave your affection and desire you deeply.
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
However, I am aware that I have no chance of being with you.
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed that finally, I had found you, but you are surrounded by other admirers.
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Therefore, I am aware that I have no chance with you.
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you were to succumb to my advances and share a few gentle kisses with me,
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
you may come to realize that I am the one you were destined to be with.
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be faithful to you, but there is no point in making plans that will never come to fruition.
I know I must be dreaming
I understand that my desire to be with you is unrealistic and cannot come true.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Popular Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind