He recorded a number of popular albums with fellow trombonist Kai Winding, as well as many solo albums, and was a sideman on many classic jazz recordings. Several of his compositions, including "Wee Dot," "Lament," and "Enigma" are considered jazz standards. He was part of the Third Stream movement in jazz music in the late 1950s and early 1960s and wrote a number of large-scale works which incorporated elements of both classical and jazz music.
In his early twenties he developed a remarkable, flawless technique and was the first trombonist to rise to the challenge of bebop music, remaining unchallenged at the forefront of modern jazz throughout his career. In 1970 he ceased performing in public for most of 17 years, before a comeback in the late 1980s. From the mid fifties on, he was a perennial polling favorite in jazz circles, even winning Down Beat's "Trombonist of the Year" during years he wasn't active. Voted into Down Beat's Hall of Fame in 1995, J. J. Johnson's recording career spanned 54 years, from 1942 to 1996.
He has long been regarded as the greatest trombonist of the post-Swing Era, a pervasive influence on other jazz musicians, and one of jazz's legendary figures.
My Old Flame
J.J. Johnson Lyrics
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Can anyone here really understand?
On the other side of the enemy lines
Can anyone say what it's really like?
A man of faith and American pride
Wasn't that kind to go run and hide
With every last breath he paid the price
My old friend
My old friend
I'll see you again
My old friend
Purple Hearts and silver stars
Reminding those who you were
American son American brother
American heart and American Soldier
There's no greater love a man will have than this
That he lay down his life for all his friends
My old friend
My old friend
Til we meet again
I'll see you again
The lyrics to J.J. Johnson's song "My Old Flame" are a tribute to a fallen soldier. The song highlights the difficulties and challenges of being a soldier fighting in a foreign land, and questions whether anyone really understands the experiences of those fighting on the other side of enemy lines. The soldier being honored is described as a man of faith and American pride who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow citizens.
The lyrics express deep emotion, with the repeated phrase "My old friend" conveying a sense of personal connection and loss. This connection is reinforced by the references to the soldier's Purple Heart and Silver Star awards, which remind those left behind of his bravery and sacrifice. The song also touches on the idea of sacrifice, with the final line repeating an important Bible verse: "There's no greater love a man will have than this, that he lay down his life for all his friends."
Overall, "My Old Flame" is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by American soldiers, and a reminder of the ongoing importance of honoring and remembering those who have fought for the country.
Line by Line Meaning
Fighting in a foreign land
Engaging in a battle in a land that is not one's own
Can anyone here really understand?
Is it possible for anyone to truly comprehend the situation?
On the other side of the enemy lines
Being in the area controlled by the opposing party
Can anyone say what it's really like?
Is anyone capable of accurately describing what is happening?
A man of faith and American pride
A person who has strong belief in their religion and is proud to be from America
Wasn't that kind to go run and hide
It would not have been respectable to flee or retreat
With every last breath he paid the price
He sacrificed his life in the process
He gave his own for you and I
He made the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of others
My old friend
An affectionate term for someone who was once close
My old friend
An endearing term for someone who was once intimate
I'll see you again
We shall meet again in the future
My old friend
An endearing term for someone who was once close
Purple Hearts and silver stars
Honorable medals to pay tribute to the singer
Reminding those who you were
A symbol of remembrance of who the singer was
American son American brother
A person who was a son and a brother to other Americans
American heart and American Soldier
A patriot and a member of the American military force
There's no greater love a man will have than this
The most significant love a man can experience is sacrificing himself for his friends
That he lay down his life for all his friends
Giving up one's life for the benefit of others
My old friend
An endearing term for someone who was once intimate
My old friend
A nostalgic reference to someone who has been around for a while
Til we meet again
Until we have the opportunity to see each other once more
I'll see you again
We shall meet again in the future
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Cody Fox
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind