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.
Lost In Meditation
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
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And my reverie
Brings you back to me
For in my imagination
Love has lingered on
As though you'd never gone.
This is just a dream that cannot last
So I sit in meditation
Trying to pretend this mood will never end.
I am lost in meditation
And my reverie
Brings you back to me
For in my imagination
Love has lingered on
As though you'd never gone.
This is just a dream that cannot last
When the magic of this mood has passed.
So I sit in meditation
Trying to pretend this mood will never end.
The song Lost in Meditation sung by Mary McHugh describes a person who is deep in thought and is trying to push away the pain of losing a loved one. The lyrics reveal an intense longing for the return of this person despite their absence. The person meditates to help get over the pain of separation, but in the process, the memories and emotions only become stronger. She imagines that the love between them is still there, and she is lost in a trance, a dream that is unable to last. It is a powerful and emotive song that portrays the complex emotions of love and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
I am lost in meditation
I am deeply focused on my thoughts and feelings, almost as if I'm in a trance.
And my reverie
And my daydreaming or imagining of things.
Brings you back to me
Makes me feel as if you are with me again.
For in my imagination
Because in my thoughts or imagination.
Love has lingered on
My feelings of love have continued to exist.
As though you'd never gone.
As if you never left or disappeared.
This is just a dream that cannot last
I know that this feeling or situation is temporary and cannot continue forever.
When the magic of this mood has passed.
When this feeling or mood fades away.
So I sit in meditation
So I continue to sit and focus on my thoughts and feelings.
Trying to pretend this mood will never end.
Trying to imagine or convince myself that this feeling or mood will always be with me, even though I know it's temporary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS, JUAN TIZOL, LOU SINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind