When Lights Are Low
J.J. Johnson and Joe Pass Lyrics
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Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
Swaying to a fascinating strain
Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
Listen how happy hearts are beating
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
Ev'ry little movement of the band
Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
When lights are low
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
The song "When Lights Are Low" by J.J. Johnson and Joe Pass is a romantic ballad about dancing and falling in love. The lyrics describe the beauty and magic of being close and dancing to a soft, sweet melody. The song paints a picture of a couple in love, enjoying each other's company, and being swept away by the music. The lyrics convey a sense of warmth and intimacy, as two hearts reveal their love to each other. The song also suggests that love is more important than anything else, and that nothing else matters when two people are in love.
The first verse describes the scene of the couple dancing, entranced by the music. The melody is soft and sweet, and the couple is swaying to a fascinating strain. The second verse talks about how close they are together and how much the singer loves their partner. The lyrics suggest that there is no need to worry about anything else when they are together, and that the feeling is mutual. The chorus repeats the lines "When lights are low" and emphasizes the beauty and appeal of being close together and in love.
The second verse goes on to describe how happy their hearts are and how their feet are keeping in rhythm with the music. The couple is clearly having a wonderful time together, and the music is only serving to enhance their connection. The melody is soothing and slow, and the strains of the 'cello add to the romantic atmosphere. The final line of the chorus reiterates the idea that surrendering to love is the most natural thing in the world when the lights are low.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to the melody entrancing
Pay attention to the captivating tune of this song
Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
Adding to the gentle and pleasant melody
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
As we dance around the room, my beloved
Swaying to a fascinating strain
Moving gracefully to an intriguing melody
Sweet music soft and mellow
Gentle and soothing music
Soothing and slow
Calming and unhurried
Strains of a mellow 'cello
Melodic sounds of a smooth cello
When lights are low
In dim lighting
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
My dear, we're in such close proximity and I have deep affection for you
Why think about the weather
Why bother with thoughts about the climate
Two hearts revealing
Two individuals expressing their innermost feelings
Music hath charms
Music has the power to captivate and enchant
Life's so appealing
Life is very appealing and attractive
With inspiration, in your arms
Feeling inspired while being held by you
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Our mouths coming together in a gentle and affectionate kiss
Love's all aglow
Love is radiating and glowing
Why shouldn't we surrender
Why not give in and become vulnerable
Listen how happy hearts are beating
Hear the joyful sound of our hearts beating in unison
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
Similar to the rhythmic sound of waves crashing onto the shore
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
Our feet are moving in tune and repeating their steps
Ev'ry little movement of the band
Every single movement made by the musicians playing the instruments
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BENNY CARTER, SPENCER WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@glennmartin974
So nice and relaxed. J.J. swings. So lyrical. Great combination. A great guitarist is a complete rhythm section.
@brucekuehn4031
What a relaxed tune! Cool if someone today would try a duet like this again.
@glennmartin974
Have done it. A great guitarist is a complete rhythm section.
@carlito1919
An astounding accompanist.
@jimmetesky6019
If I remember correctly, the liner notes refer to them playing without a net....
@billkirchner6738
I hate to say it, but Joe and J.J. play the wrong bridge to Benny Carter's "When Lights Are Low." Benny's original bridge was much hipper, but when Miles Davis first recorded "WLAL" in 1953, he apparently didn't know that bridge, and instead took the A section up a fourth. One of Miles' least inspired ideas, but unfortunately, others have followed his example since then and likewise recorded the wrong bridge.
@torbor79
JJ played in Benny Carter's band in the 40's and was likely aware of the original bridge.
@woolfnotes
Like starting "But Not For Me" on the 2 chord. I can understand making these mistakes in the heat of the moment but there's no excuse for repeating them.
@lascellehewitt3542
The dude who was critical about the arrangement of the song is so clueless about the liberty to which jazz composers are entitle.