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.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
The song "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" by Count Basie evokes a romantic and dreamy atmosphere with its charming lyrics. The first verse tells a story of a country party where the singer had an accidental encounter with someone and apologized. Suddenly, the atmosphere was transformed with "polka dots and moonbeams" surrounding a "pug-nosed dream". This is a metaphorical way of describing the feeling of falling in love, the magical and powerful energy that envelops two people.
In the second stanza, the singer is still in awe and is hesitant to ask the person for a dance. However, they eventually gather the courage and dance together. In the eyes of the other dancers, there's a sense of curiosity and wonder because of the strong chemistry between them. The final verse takes us to a time beyond the dance, where the singer is living happily ever after in a cottage filled with joy and laughter, forever seeing "polka dots and moonbeams" whenever they kiss their love.
Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of the whimsical feelings that arise in the early stages of love. The lyrics' use of dreamy imagery and metaphors transports the listener to a magical place where true love exists, and it has become a widely recognized and beloved song.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
Attending a festive gathering in an outdoor space
I felt a bump and heard an 'Oh, beg your pardon'
Accidentally collided with someone and exchanged apologies
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
Swept off my feet by unexpected beauty and magic
All around a pug-nosed dream
Surrounded by a charming, unique individual
The music started and was I the perplexed one
Feeling confused and unsure as the festivities began
I held my breath and said 'May I have the next one?'
Asked for a dance with trepidation
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
Holding onto the enchantment of the moment
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
Experiencing the radiance and allure of a unique individual
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Others observing the unexpected pairing
As we floated over the floor
Dancing with grace and ease
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Despite doubts, in my heart I knew this was right
And perhaps a few things more
My intuition was telling me something deeper
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Living in a joyful, tranquil home
I know the meaning of the words 'Ever after'
Understanding the true essence of forever love
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
Remembering the enchantment of that magical night
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
When I'm with that special someone who stole my heart
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind