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.
The Very Thought of You
J.J. Johnson Lyrics
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with sweetness fills the breast
but sweeter far thy face to see,
and in thy presence rest.
O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
But what to those who find? Ah, this
nor tongue nor pen can show
the love of Jesus, what it is,
none but his loved ones know.
Jesus, our only joy be thou,
as thou our prize wilt be
Jesus, be thou our glory now,
and through eternity.
The lyrics of J.J. Johnson's song "The Very Thought of You" express deep reverence and adoration for Jesus Christ. The singer reflects on how the mere thought of Jesus fills their heart with sweetness, but acknowledges that it is even sweeter to see His face and rest in His presence. Jesus is seen as the hope for every contrite heart, bringing joy to the humble and showing kindness and goodness to those who stumble and seek His guidance.
The lyrics also emphasize the ineffable nature of Jesus' love. It says that no words can fully express or convey the depth of His love. Only those who are truly loved by Jesus can truly understand and experience His love. It is a love that surpasses human comprehension and can only be known by His loved ones.
The lyrics conclude with a plea for Jesus to remain the sole source of joy and glory, both in the present moment and throughout eternity.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Very Thought of You" highlight the profound devotion and reverence towards Jesus Christ, recognizing His love, kindness, and infinite nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus, the very thought of thee
Just the mere thought of Jesus brings deep joy and comfort
with sweetness fills the breast
It fills our hearts with a pleasant and delightful feeling
but sweeter far thy face to see,
Yet, seeing his face is even more delightful and fulfilling
and in thy presence rest.
Being in his presence brings a sense of peace and tranquility
O hope of every contrite heart,
Jesus is the source of hope for every repentant and humble heart
O joy of all the meek,
He brings immense joy to all those who are gentle and humble
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
He is incredibly kind and compassionate towards those who stumble and struggle
How good to those who seek!
He shows his goodness to those who earnestly search for him
But what to those who find? Ah, this
However, for those who truly find him, it is beyond description
nor tongue nor pen can show
No words or writing can fully express or convey
the love of Jesus, what it is,
the depth and magnitude of Jesus' love
none but his loved ones know.
Only those who have experienced his love firsthand truly understand
Jesus, our only joy be thou,
Jesus, you alone bring us true joy
as thou our prize wilt be
You are our ultimate reward and treasure
Jesus, be thou our glory now,
May you be our present source of honor and praise
and through eternity.
and may your glory resonate throughout all of eternity
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRAD, Derric Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind