He began with classical music and played in Oklahoma. He later switched to jazz on moving to Washington, D. C. and by nineteen was working in the Big Bands. His career would be interrupted during World War II although he did play with a military band in the period. On returning from service he joined Billy Eckstine's orchestra.[1]
He returned to DC a few years after this and received a degree in flute at the city's Modern School Of Music. From 1953 he joined Count Basie's band, playing flute and tenor sax. He reverted to alto sax in the late '50s, and left Basie's band in 1964. Since then he has done a variety of TV shows and telethons.[2]
From 1960 to 1964 he won Down Beat's critic poll for flute.[3]
Yesterdays
Frank Wess Lyrics
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Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the tree
Don't your arms look lonesome when your baby's packed to leave
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, today,
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today
If you can't do better, might as well just stay away
The lyrics of Frank Wess's song Yesterdays paint a vivid picture of loneliness and heartbreak. The opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song: "Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the tree." This imagery sets the stage for the listener to feel just as desolate as the moon on this particular evening. Wess then brings in the idea that our physical surroundings can also be a reflection of our feelings. He sings, "Don't your arms look lonesome when your baby's packed to leave." This line conveys the physical manifestation of a broken heart - when your loved one is leaving you, your arms may feel empty and lonely.
The second verse of the song continues to delve into the emotional turmoil that comes with heartbreak. Wess sings, "Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, today, Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, If you can't do better, might as well just stay away." This verse speaks to the idea that we may be holding on to someone who doesn't truly want to be with us. The line "If you can't do better, might as well just stay away" is a powerful statement that showcases the importance of self-love and not settling for less than you deserve.
Overall, Yesterdays is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the emotions that come with heartbreak and loneliness. It is a reminder to listeners that it is okay to feel sad and alone, but we should never settle for someone who doesn't truly want to be with us.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the tree
Doesn't the moon look lonely as it shines through the trees
Don't your arms look lonesome when your baby's packed to leave
Don't your arms look empty and sad when your loved one is getting ready to depart
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, today,
I asked for you to come yesterday, but you only arrived today
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today
I needed you to be here earlier, but you only showed up now
If you can't do better, might as well just stay away
If you can't improve your behavior, it's better for you to stay away
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COUNT BASIE, EDDIE DURHAM, JAMES RUSHING, JAMES ANDREW RUSHING, WILLIAM COUNT BASIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind