Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
All of Me
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why not take all of me?
Can't you see?
I'm no good without you
Take my lips
I want to loose them
Take my arms
Your goodbye
Left me with eyes that cry
How can I go on, dear, without you?
You took the part
That once was my heart
So why not take all of me?
All of me
Why not take all of me?
Can't you see
I'm no good without you?
Take my lips
I want to loose them
Take my arms
I'll never use them
Your goodbye
Left me with eyes that cry
How can I go on, dear, without you?
You took the best
So why not take the rest?
Baby, take all of me
The lyrics of Duke Ellington's song "All of Me" express heartache and longing for a lost love. The singer addresses their ex-partner and implores them to take all of them, including their lips and arms that they will never use without them. The singer's goodbye has left them with eyes that cry, and they cannot fathom moving on without their love.
The imagery of the song paints a picture of a complete surrender to the one they love. The line "Take my lips, I want to loose them" expresses a willingness to give up their own voice and desires, while "Take my arms, I'll never use them" conveys a sense of uselessness and surrender. The refrain "Why not take all of me?" reinforces the idea of giving all that they are to their love, even if it means experiencing hurt and pain.
Despite the melancholic tone, the song also showcases a sense of acceptance and resilience. The singer realizes that their ex-partner has already taken the best part of them, and they should take the rest. The final line, "Baby, take all of me," shows a willingness to move on and let go, even if it hurts.
Line by Line Meaning
All of me
I am offering all of myself to you
Why not take all of me?
I am asking you to take all of me, not just a part
Can't you see?
I am pleading for you to understand my feelings
I'm no good without you
I am incomplete and unhappy without you
Take my lips
I don't want to kiss anyone else
I want to loose them
Without you, my lips are meaningless
Take my arms
I don't want to hold anyone else
I'll never use them
Without you, my arms are useless
Your goodbye
Your departure from my life
Left me with eyes that cry
I am deeply affected by your leaving
How can I go on, dear, without you?
I am lost without you and cannot continue without you in my life
You took the part
You have already taken a significant portion of me
That once was my heart
You took my love and left me heartbroken
So why not take all of me?
Since you've already taken my heart, why not take all of me?
Baby, take all of me
I am begging you to take all of me and make me whole again
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gerald Marks, Seymour Simons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jessykaiser6373
The master of butter notes!
@ata1811
When Johnny Hodges died, Duke Ellington said, "Our band will never be the same." This is wonderful!
@barakx814
One of the quietest superstars I ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was 100% gentleman & I feel honored to have known him.
@mightyginza3182
You lucky fish🎀🎀🎀💃💃💃🙏🙏🙏
@notreallydavid
secondeded@@mightyginza3182
@peterclifford7302
Sounds beautiful. Johnny Hodges had his own sound and a lovely tone, superb.
@janiceblacburn9793
Absolutely superb! A naturally gifted saxophonist..... the differing sounds he achieves in one song, he was born to play!
@peterfeltham5612
Been listening to him for over 60 years,still am.Saw him play at Bristols Colston Hall in very early 60s, along with the rest of that great orchestra.
@brenttrading2363
with some of his songs if you close your eyes and listen carefully it doesnt sound like a sax ..it sounds like a voice...pure music from a wind instrument
@jimrich4192
As a saxplayer, myself, I can only say I like, love & respect Johnny's ARTISTRY & ABILITIES. I would not compare him to any other player. They are all unique & wonderful in my book. 🤩🤠😎