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.
Love Me or Leave Me
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You won't believe me that I love you only
I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else
You might find the night time the right time for kissing
But night time is my time for just reminiscing
Regretting instead of forgetting with somebody else
There'll be no else unless that someone is you, you, you
I intend to be independently blue
I want your love but I don't want to borrow
I have it today and give back tomorrow
For my love is your love but there's no love for nobody else
The song "Love Me or Leave Me" by Count Basie is a classic love ballad that reflects the emotions of a person who has been hurt in love. The lyrics convey the message that the person is willing to remain alone rather than be with someone other than the person they love. The line "Love me or leave me and let me be lonely" is a plea to the partner to decide whether they want to stay committed or leave, providing a clear sense of direction.
The lyrics also reveal the singer's lack of interest in casual flings. The line "I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else" clearly indicates that the singer values true love and deep connections over fleeting happiness. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is still open to the hope of reconciliation with their loved one. The line "There'll be no else unless that someone is you, you, you" conveys this message.
Overall, the song "Love Me or Leave Me" highlights the complexity of human emotions and the desire for authenticity in relationships. The lyrics reflect the singer’s unwavering commitment to love and fidelity.
Line by Line Meaning
Love me or leave me and let me be lonely
Stay with me or go away and let me live in solitude
You won't believe me that I love you only
You may doubt my feelings for you, but I assure you that I love you exclusively
I'd rather be lonely than happy with somebody else
I prefer to be alone than to be content with another person
You might find the night time the right time for kissing
Perhaps you think the evening is ideal for intimacy
But night time is my time for just reminiscing
However, when night falls, I am inclined to reflect on the past
Regretting instead of forgetting with somebody else
Recalling memories instead of making new ones with another person
There'll be no else unless that someone is you, you, you
I will not seek anyone else's attention unless that someone is specifically you
I intend to be independently blue
I plan to remain emotionally self-sufficient despite being melancholy
I want your love but I don't want to borrow
I desire your affection without asking for something in return
I have it today and give back tomorrow
I possess your love currently, but I will return it later
For my love is your love but there's no love for nobody else
My love belongs solely to you and no one else
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind