Born in Waveland, Mississippi, he moved to New Orleans in his youth, and studied clarinet with Lorenzo Tio. He played with the bands of Frankie Duson, Kid Ory, and King Oliver. Dodds went to Chicago, played with Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, with which he first recorded in 1923. After break up of Oliver's band in 1924, Dodds replaced Alcide Nunez as the house clarinetist and bandleader of Kelly's Stables. He recorded with numerous small groups in Chicago, most notably Louis Armstrong's Hot 5 and Hot 7, and Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers.
Dodds was noted for his professionalism and virtuosity as a musician, and his heartfelt heavily blues laden style. He was an important influence on later clarinetists, notably Benny Goodman.
Dodds did not record for most of the 1930s, affected by ill health. He died in Chicago in 1940.
Weary Blues
Johnny Dodds Lyrics
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And I know that you're the one to blame
When you broke my heart and made me cry
I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
Weary blues have made me cry
Well, these weary blues I'm gonna bid goodbye
I know, I won't forget you but I'll try
Well, I know that things won't be the same
And I know that you're the one to blame
When you broke my heart and made me cry
I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
Weary blues have made me cry
Well, these weary blues I am gonna bid goodbye
I know, I won't forget you but I'll try
I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
The lyrics of Johnny Dodds's "Weary Blues" speak to the pain, heartbreak, and eventual resolve of moving on from a lost love. The singer acknowledges that things won't be the same and that the person who broke their heart is to blame. The repeated refrain of "weary blues have made me cry" echoes the melancholic tone of the music and suggests that the singer has been carrying this emotional burden for some time.
Despite the sadness and pain, there is also a sense of determination in the lyrics. The singer is resolute in bidding their "weary blues" goodbye, signaling a new beginning and a release from the weight of their heartbreak. The acknowledgement that they "won't forget you but I'll try" speaks to the difficulty of moving on and the lingering memories of lost love. However, the singer is committed to leaving the sadness behind and starting anew.
Overall, "Weary Blues" is a poignant and relatable song about heartbreak and the process of moving on. The lyrics capture the complex and often conflicting emotions that arise after a relationship ends, while the music conveys a sense of sadness and longing, but also hints at the eventual hope that comes with letting go and moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I know that things won't be the same
I am aware that everything will change
And I know that you're the one to blame
You are responsible for the pain I feel
When you broke my heart and made me cry
Your actions caused me emotional distress
I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
I am going to let go of my sadness and move on
Weary blues have made me cry
Sadness has overwhelmed me
Well, these weary blues I'm gonna bid goodbye
I am letting go of my sad emotions
I know, I won't forget you but I'll try
It's difficult to forget you, but I will make an effort to do so
You know I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
I am determined to let go of my sadness
I am gonna bid my weary blues goodbye
I am actively working to move on from my sadness
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GEORGE CATES, MORT GREENE, ARTIE MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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