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.
Just Squeeze Me
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Want you to know it really is pleasin'
Want you to know I ain't for no teasin'
Treat me sweet and gentle when you say goodnight
Just squeeze me but please don't tease me
I get sentimental when you hold me tight
Just squeeze me but please don't tease me
Singing the blues away each day
Counting the rights and waiting for you
I'm in the mood to let you know
I never knew I loved you so
Please say you love me too
When I get this feelin' I'm in ecstasy
So squeeze me but please don't tease me
Treat me sweet and gentle when you say goodnight
Just squeeze me but please don't tease me
I get sentimental when you hold me tight
Just squeeze me but please don't tease me
Missing you since you went away
Singing the blues away each day
Counting the rights and waiting for you
I'm in the mood to let you know
I never knew I loved you so
Please say you love me too
When I get this feelin' I'm in ecstasy
So squeeze me but please don't tease me
These lyrics to Johnny Hodges/Duke Ellington's song Squeeze Me are a love song about a person who wants their lover to know that they love being close to them and want them to hold them tight. The lyrics show the singer's vulnerability and their desire to be treated gently and not to be teased. The singer is expressing their love and devotion to their lover by being open about their feelings and how much they miss them when they're gone. The lyrics also convey a sense of anticipation for their lover's return and the happiness they feel when they're together.
The lyrics of Squeeze Me are simple and straightforward, but they capture the essence of a moment in time where love is all that matters. The song is an expression of the joy and pleasure that can be found in the simple act of sharing physical contact with someone who you love deeply. It's a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones that happen in the quiet intimacy of two people together.
Line by Line Meaning
Want you to know I go for your squeezin'
I want you to understand that I enjoy your affectionate touch
Want you to know it really is pleasin'
I want you to know that your touch brings me joy and satisfaction
Want you to know I ain't for no teasin'
I want you to make genuine advances towards me, without playing games or leading me on
Treat me sweet and gentle when you say goodnight
Show me kindness and tenderness, even when we part ways for the night
Just squeeze me but please don't tease me
Express your affection physically, but don't playfully withhold it from me
I get sentimental when you hold me tight
I become emotionally moved and nostalgic when you hold me close
Missing you since you went away
I've been feeling sad and longing for you ever since you left
Singing the blues away each day
I try to lift my spirits and overcome my sadness by singing the blues
Counting the rights and waiting for you
I'm keeping track of the things that go well in my life, but I'm still waiting for you to come back
I'm in the mood to let you know
I'm feeling ready to express my feelings to you
I never knew I loved you so
I didn't realize how much I cared about you until now
Please say you love me too
I hope that you feel the same way about me
When I get this feelin' I'm in ecstasy
When I experience this emotion, it feels like pure bliss
So squeeze me but please don't tease me
Please show me physical affection, but don't string me along or play games with my heart
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind