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.
You're Not The Kind
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's why I sit here and cry
For that is something that never can be
And here's the reason why
For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
You say that you never would doubt me
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
You say that you never would doubt me
Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
The lyrics of You’re Not The Kind by Count Basie speak about a person who is being pursued for romantic interest but refuses to reciprocate because they do not believe that they are the right fit for their suitor. The person being pursued confesses that they are falling in love with them, which causes the singer to feel sad and cry because they know that it can never happen. The reason for this is because the singer believes that they are not compatible and lists the qualities that they possess that are incompatible with their suitor.
The singer describes themselves as just a song and dance while describing their suitor as a symphony. This metaphor implies that the singer is simple and shallow while their suitor is deep and complex. The singer also claims to be the kind of person who would never play fair while their suitor is always square. These statements suggest that the singer is not trustworthy or honest and that their suitor is the opposite. Ultimately, the singer concludes that it is hard to let go of their suitor, but they know that it is necessary because they are not the kind of person their suitor needs.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you're falling in love with me
You claim to be developing romantic feelings for me
That's why I sit here and cry
This revelation makes me so emotional that I'm crying
For that is something that never can be
However, we can never be together in that way
And here's the reason why
Let me explain the basis of this impossibility
For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
You and I are fundamentally incompatible
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
I'm simple and ordinary, while you're complex and extraordinary
You say that you never would doubt me
You claim that you trust me completely
Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
But I'm warning you that you'd be happier without me in your life
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
I have a tendency to be dishonest and manipulate situations to my advantage
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
You, on the other hand, are always honest and straightforward
It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
It's difficult for me to end things between us, but it's only because I know the truth
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
You and I are just not meant to be together
For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
Once again, you and I are simply not compatible
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
I'm just an insignificant part of your life, while you are the main attraction
You say that you never would doubt me
You continue to insist that you trust me completely
Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
But I'm still warning you that you'd be happier without me around
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
I can't help but be dishonest and manipulative, which would negatively affect our relationship
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
You would always be honest and good-natured, which would make it difficult for us to get along
It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
Breaking things off between us is incredibly difficult, but I know it's for the best
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
At the end of the day, we are just not right for each other
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Will Hudson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind