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.
Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
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But they wouldn't hurt you, not much
Since everyone spread the story
With his own little personal touch
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Pay no attention to what's said
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream
Do nothin' till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you've heard
I haven't a chance
True I've been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I'm untrue
When we're apart the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothin' till you hear it from me
And you never will
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Pay no attention to what's said
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream
Is over my head
Do nothin' till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you've heard
I haven't a chance
True I've been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I'm untrue
When we're apart the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothin' till you hear it from me
And you never will
The lyrics to Johnny Hodges’s “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” speak to the theme of mistrust in a romantic relationship. The beginning of the song suggests that a rumor or gossip has been spread about the singer seeing someone new. The singer tries to assuage any fears or concerns by imploring his partner to “Do nothin’ till you hear from me.” The chorus repeats this message, emphasizing that paying attention to rumors or hearsay can destroy a relationship.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is frustrated by the amount of mistrust that exists in their relationship due to rumors and gossip. He argues that the information that has been spread is not reliable, especially since everyone has added their “own little personal touch” to the story. This indicates that information has been distorted through multiple retellings, making it unreliable. The singer implores his partner to trust him, saying that if they take the words of others to heart, he “hasn't a chance.”
The lyrics of “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” suggest that one of the most significant dangers to a relationship is the spread of rumors or gossip. The theme of mistrust is explored in a poignant and insightful way, making it one of the most relatable and enduring songs of its generation.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone told someone and someone told you
People love to gossip, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt. By the time the story reaches you, it's likely to be distorted by personal biases and embellishments.
But they wouldn't hurt you, not much
The people spreading the rumor probably don't mean any harm, but their words can still have consequences.
Since everyone spread the story with his own little personal touch
Every person who hears and repeats the rumor adds their own spin to the story, making it even more unreliable.
Do nothin' till you hear from me
Don't make any decisions or judgments until you hear the truth from the source themselves.
Pay no attention to what's said
Ignore the rumors and focus on the fact that the truth will come to light eventually.
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream is over my head
I don't understand why some people are so quick to ruin others' reputations or happiness.
At least consider our romance
Remember that there is a relationship at stake here, and don't let rumors come between us.
If you should take the word of others you've heard, I haven't a chance
If you believe the rumors instead of giving me the benefit of the doubt, our relationship is doomed to fail.
True I've been seen with someone new, but does that mean that I'm untrue
Yes, I've spent time with someone else, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm cheating or losing interest in you.
When we're apart the words in my heart reveal how I feel about you
Even when I'm not with you, my love for you is still true and strong.
Some kiss may cloud my memory and other arms may hold a thrill
Yes, I may have been physically intimate with someone else, but that doesn't change my emotional commitment to you.
But please do nothin' till you hear it from me, and you never will
Don't jump to conclusions based on rumors, because I will come to you and explain myself in due time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, BOB RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind