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.
I Cried for You
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
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Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
You forgot your promises, every single vow
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
How can I forget the hours that I worried through
Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
In those days you never thought anything of me
But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
The lyrics of Johnny Hodges's song "I Cried for You" describe the singer's realization of their self-worth after being mistreated in a relationship. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about the past, when they would weep over hurtful things said by their partner and suffer sleepless nights. The partner eventually forgets their promises and laughs at the singer instead of showing empathy. However, the singer has since found someone new who treats them better, with "two eyes just a little bit bluer" and a "heart just a little bit truer." This newfound happiness has led the singer to turn the tables on their ex-lover and make them feel the pain they once endured.
Overall, the song is a message of empowerment and self-respect. The singer has learned to value themselves and will no longer tolerate mistreatment from anyone else. The repeated refrain of "now it's your turn to cry over me" serves as a kind of triumph over the ex-lover who once held power over the singer's emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember other days how I used to weep
I recall the past when I used to cry my eyes out
Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
It was because of the words you uttered that I was restless and anxious
You forgot your promises, every single vow
You broke all your pledges and commitments
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
You found it funny when I was hurt, but the situation has changed
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
I shed tears for you before, but now it's your time to feel the pain
Every road has a turning
Life is full of twists and turns
That's one thing you're learning
You are experiencing this firsthand
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
I was foolish to weep for you
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I have discovered someone who has more beautiful eyes
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I have found a person who is more loyal and faithful
How can I forget the hours that I worried through
It's impossible for me to erase the memories of the time I spent worrying
Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
I spent my entire day thinking and pondering about my next move
In those days you never thought anything of me
You didn't care about me in those past days
But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free
I, who was once your loyal slave, have broken free
Writer(s): Arthur Freed, Gus Arnheim, Abe Lyman
Contributed by Caroline R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.