It was Norman Granz, the iconic producer of Jazz at the Philharmonic and the founder of Verve Records, who, upon hearing Pass in 1970, immediately recognised the "new talent" and signed him to Granz's new Pablo Records label (named for Granz's friend Pablo Picasso).
In 1974, Pass released his landmark solo album "Virtuoso" on Pablo Records. Also in 1974, Pablo Records released the album "The Trio" featuring Pass, Oscar Peterson, and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. "The Trio" won a Grammy award for best jazz performance. As part of the Pablo Records "stable," Pass also recorded with Benny Carter, Robert Conti, Milt Jackson, Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan and others.
Pass is known for his brilliant chord melody work where he simultaneously plays walking bass and chord melodies.
Lil' Darlin'
Joe Pass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't need more cash than banks can hold
When I get to feelin', a feelin'
For something there ain't too much of
My sweet lil' darlin' gives me her love
Don't catch me chasin' 'round at night
I'm not impressed by glamor sights
As some other gals you can see
But my lil darlin' only loves me
The lyrics of Joe Pass's "Lil' Darlin'" are a tribute to pure and simple love. Pass sings that he doesn't need material possessions such as gold or banks overflowing with cash, because when he's feeling down, all he needs is the love of his "sweet lil' darlin'". The simplicity of the lyrics emphasizes the power and importance of love in one's life.
Pass also explains that he is not impressed by the superficialities of life, such as chasing around at night or being drawn in by glamorous sights. He acknowledges that his "lil' darlin'" may not be considered as pretty as some other gals out there, but to him, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. Her love is all he needs to be happy and content.
Overall, the lyrics of "Lil' Darlin'" are a reminder that love can make one feel rich and fulfilled, regardless of their financial status or the superficialities of life. They emphasize the importance of finding and cherishing true love, and recognizing its value above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't need no palace paved with gold
I don't require a luxurious home made of gold
Don't need more cash than banks can hold
I don't need more money than a bank can contain
When I get to feelin', a feelin'
When I'm in need of something
For something there ain't too much of
For something that's rare to find
My sweet lil' darlin' gives me her love
My beloved partner shows me affection
Don't catch me chasin' 'round at night
I'm not interested in wandering around at night
I'm not impressed by glamor sights
I'm not fascinated by lavish activities
Lil' darlin' may not be as pretty
My partner may not be the most beautiful
As some other gals you can see
As compared to other women
But my lil darlin' only loves me
But my significant other only loves me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NEAL HEFTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind