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.
Any Time Any Day Anywhere
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
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Say the word, you'd be heard
I'll be there
Makes no difference where it leads me
I'll come running if you need me
Anytime, any day, anywhere
I'll come running if you need me
Anytime, any day, anywhere
Anytime, any day, anywhere
Any day, anywhere
Anytime, any day, anywhere
Say the word, you'd be heard
I'll be there
Anytime, any day, anywhere
The lyrics of Johnny Hodges's song, Any Time Any Day Anywhere, convey a message of devotion and unconditional love. The singer pledges to drop everything and go to their loved one's side, no matter where they may be or what they may need. The repeated line "anytime, any day, anywhere" emphasizes the singer's steadfast commitment to their loved one, while the line "makes no difference where it leads me" demonstrates their willingness to follow their loved one to the ends of the earth.
The song's tender lyrics are complemented by Hodges's smooth and soulful saxophone playing, which emphasizes the song's emotive quality. Together, the song's lyrics and music create a mood of longing, devotion, and pure love, making it a classic ballad of the Jazz Age.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as an earnest plea to show up for love and to demonstrate a willingness to do anything for the person that one cares about deeply. It speaks to the beauty and power of true love and the lengths to which people will go to show their devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Anytime, any day, anywhere
I am available to help you at any time, on any day, and in any place
Say the word, you'd be heard
Just tell me what you need, and I will listen to you
I'll be there
I will be by your side and do what I can to assist you
Makes no difference where it leads me
It doesn't matter where your request takes me, as long as I can help you
I'll come running if you need me
I will be there for you, always ready and willing to lend you a hand
Anytime, any day, anywhere
I am always available for you, no matter what the circumstances are
Anytime, any day, anywhere
I am committed to helping you and will go wherever you need me
Any day, anywhere
I am ready to assist you every day and anywhere you may need me
Anytime, any day, anywhere
I won't let you face your troubles alone because I am always here for you
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEE WILEY, NED WASHINGTON, VICTOR YOUNG, VICTOR POPULAR YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind