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.
The Lady Is A Tramp
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She likes the theater and never comes late
She never bothers with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp
Doesn't like crap games with barons and earls
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
That's why the lady is a tramp
Life without care
She's broke--and it's "oke"
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp
She gets too hungry to wait for dinner at eight
She loves the theater but never comes late
She'd never bother with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp
She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
And she won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords
And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
That's why the lady is a tramp
She loves the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke--but it's "oke"
Hates California, it's so cold and so damp
That's why the lady
That's why the lady
That's why the lady is a tramp
"The Lady is a Tramp" is a classic jazz standard song, written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The song is all about a lady who defies the expectations placed on her by society but celebrates her uniqueness. The lyrics are playful, witty, and tongue-in-cheek, but they also celebrate nonconformity and individuality.
The first verse talks about how the lady is too impatient to wait until eight for dinner and loves going to the theater, but she never shows up late. She never wastes her time and energy on people she doesn't like, which is why she's labeled as a tramp. In the second verse, she refuses to participate in dishonest activities like "crap games with barons and earls" and won't impress anyone by wearing expensive furs and jewelry when she goes to Harlem. The lady prefers to mind her own business and avoids gossiping and revealing others' secrets. She likes the freedom and looseness that comes with an open, carefree life. She hates the idea of wealth or social status standing in the way of her happiness. Nothing can hold her back, and she's not afraid to show her true colors.
Overall, the song celebrates the idea of authenticity, freedom, and individuality. It challenges societal norms and expectations while encouraging people to be proud of who they really are.
Interesting Facts:
- The song was first performed by former child actress Mitzi Green in the 1937 musical Babes in Arms.
- Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett are some of the famous artists who have covered this song.
- The song's melody is based on "My Romance," another Rodgers and Hart classic.
- The song has been featured in several movies, including "Babes in Arms" and "Pal Joey."
- "The Lady is a Tramp" has become one of Frank Sinatra's signature songs.
- Lady Gaga performed a modern version of the song for a charity album, “Tony Bennett: Duets II” with Tony Bennett.
- The song has been translated into many languages, including Italian, French, and Spanish.
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Many people believe that the song is about the actress Katharine Hepburn, who was known for her strong-minded and independent personal life.
- The song has been used in various commercials and TV shows, including "Sex and the City," "Glee," and "The Nanny."
Chords (Key of C):
Verse:
C F9 C Bb7
She gets too hungry for dinner at eight (Verse 1)
C F9 C Bb7
She likes the theater, but never comes late (Verse 1)
C F9 C Bb7
She never bothers with people she hates (Verse 1)
G7 Gm7 F9 *E7 A7 *D7
That's why the lady is a tramp (Verse 1)
C F9 C Bb7
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls (Verse 2)
C F9 C Bb7
Doesn't like crap games with barons and earls (Verse 2)
C F9 C Bb7
Won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords (Verse 2)
G7 Gm7 F9 *E7 A7 *D7
That's why the lady is a tramp (Verse 2)
C F9 C A7
She loves the free fresh wind in her hair (Bridge)
D7 G9 D7 G9
Life without care She's broke but it's "oke" (Bridge)
C F9 C A7
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp (Bridge)
G7 Gm7 F9 *E7 A7 *D7
That's why the lady is a tramp (Outro)
Line by Line Meaning
She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She cannot wait until the usual dinner time of eight o'clock, as she becomes too hungry before then.
She likes the theater and never comes late
She enjoys going to the theater and always arrives on time.
She never bothers with people she'd hate
She avoids interacting or engaging in relationships with individuals she dislikes or has negative feelings towards.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These unique traits and habits justify her classification as a 'tramp'.
Doesn't like crap games with barons and earls
She isn't interested in playing gambling games with rich and powerful individuals.
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
She would never visit Harlem wearing expensive fur coats and jewelry.
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She refuses to gossip and talk badly about others like many of her female peers.
She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
She enjoys the sensation of wind blowing through her hair and the feeling of freedom it represents.
Life without care
She lives carefree and without worries or unnecessary concerns.
She's broke--and it's "oke"
Despite being financially tight, she is okay with this situation and does not become overly stressed about it.
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
She dislikes California due to its cold and damp climate.
That's why the lady is a tramp
All of these unique traits and habits align with the definition of a 'tramp'.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind