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.
Reflections
J.J. Johnson Lyrics
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Been looking at the sun
Just doing some reflection
Looking at the wrongs
And making a correction
Leaving all that bullshit off in the past tense
Really think they know
But they don't really have sense
Just doing some reflection
Looking at the wrongs
And making a correction
Leaving all that bullshit off in the past tense
Really think they know
But they don't really have sense
You know what I'm on
Smoking on that strong
Pouring up in styrofoam
You know that I'm gone
Rolling up a wood
Looks like fingers, Donkey Kong
All my money long bitch
But you know what I'm on
Had to hit the bong before I record this song
Pouring up in Styrofoam
They know what I'm on
Rolling up a blunt
Looks like fingers, Donkey Kong
But you know what I'm on bitch
Time from Time
Been thinking that I know
What to say
But its easier to show
Don't want no games to be feeling like a hoe
Confront him in the face
Now you watch a nigga fold
Fold
Fold
The pressure is heat but they coal
Coal
Coal
You know Imma stay ten toes
Been looking at the sun
Just doing some reflection
Looking at the wrongs
And making a correction
Leaving all that bullshit off in the past tense
Really think they know
But they don't really have sense
Been looking at the sun
Just doing some reflection
Looking at the wrongs
And making a correction
Leaving all that bullshit off in the past tense
Really think they know
But they don't really have sense
The lyrics of the song "Reflections" by J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding are centered around self-reflection, growth, and leaving behind negative experiences. The repeated phrase "Been looking at the sun, just doing some reflection" symbolizes taking time to introspect and evaluate oneself. This can involve acknowledging past mistakes and making corrections to improve oneself. The lyrics also highlight the importance of letting go of negativity and leaving it in the past, emphasizing the need to move forward and grow.
The artist expresses a sense of self-assuredness and confidence, referring to smoking and drinking as a way to solidify their identity. The lines "You know what I'm on, smoking on that strong, pouring up in styrofoam" imply a sense of personal indulgence and self-expression. The reference to "Donkey Kong" also adds a playful element, likening the appearance of a rolled-up blunt to Donkey Kong's fingers.
Furthermore, the lyrics touch on the theme of standing up for oneself and asserting boundaries. The line "Confront him in the face, now you watch a nigga fold" suggests that the artist is willing to stand up to anyone who tries to disrespect or undermine them. The final repetition of the phrase "Really think they know, but they don't really have sense" underscores the idea that others may think they understand the artist's perspective or lifestyle, but lack the true understanding and insight.
Overall, "Reflections" is a song that encourages self-reflection and personal growth, while also expressing a confident and assertive attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a Certified Hood Classic
The song Reflections is widely recognized and celebrated in the urban community as an authentic representation of their experiences.
Been looking at the sun
I have been taking the time to deeply contemplate and reflect on my life and surroundings.
Just doing some reflection
Engaging in introspection and self-analysis to gain insight and understanding.
Looking at the wrongs
Examining the mistakes and errors made in the past.
And making a correction
Taking action to rectify those errors and make amends.
Leaving all that bullshit off in the past tense
Moving forward and leaving behind all the negativity and unnecessary drama that occurred in the past.
Really think they know
Others may believe they possess knowledge and understanding.
But they don't really have sense
However, their perception and comprehension are flawed and lacking true insight.
You know what I'm on
You are aware of my current state of mind and the path I am taking.
Smoking on that strong
Engaging in the consumption of potent marijuana.
Pouring up in styrofoam
Drinking alcoholic beverages, likely mixed with codeine syrup, served in a styrofoam cup.
You know that I'm gone
You understand that I am in a state of intoxication or altered consciousness.
Rolling up a wood
Preparing a marijuana blunt or joint using a cigarillo or similar tobacco wrap.
Looks like fingers, Donkey Kong
The rolled blunt appears long and thick, resembling the fingers of the video game character Donkey Kong.
All my money long bitch
I am financially well-off and have significant wealth, emphasizing superiority.
But you know what I'm on
However, you already understand my current mindset and actions.
Had to hit the bong before I record this song
Before creating this music, I needed to smoke marijuana from a water pipe (bong) to enhance my creativity or relaxation.
Time from Time
Occasionally, at specific intervals.
Been thinking that I know
I have been under the impression that I possess knowledge and understanding.
What to say
How to express my thoughts verbally.
But its easier to show
However, it is more convenient and effective to communicate through actions rather than words.
Don't want no games to be feeling like a hoe
I do not desire to engage in manipulative or deceitful interactions that make me feel vulnerable or exploited.
Confront him in the face
To directly address an individual, facing them with honesty and assertiveness.
Now you watch a nigga fold
Observing how my opponent or adversary succumbs to pressure, collapses, or fails to withstand the challenges presented.
Fold
To yield or give in under pressure or difficulties.
The pressure is heat but they coal
The intensity of the pressure applied to them is immense, yet they lack resilience and are easily overwhelmed.
Coal
Referring to someone who lacks strength, endurance, or the ability to withstand hardships.
You know Imma stay ten toes
You understand that I will remain firm, unwavering, and dedicated in the face of adversity.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Yung Bull DaGod
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind