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.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
In Johnny Hodges's song "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," the singer recounts a memory of attending a country dance held in a garden. The lyrics evoke a sense of innocence and enchantment as the singer describes a chance encounter with someone they find captivating. The encounter is marked by a small collision ("I felt a bump and heard an 'Oh, beg your pardon'") which leads to the singer noticing the person's playful nature and endearing features ("polka dots and moonbeams all around a pug-nosed dream").
As the music begins to play, the singer summons the courage to ask the person for a dance, feeling both excited and overwhelmed ("the music started and was I the perplexed one"). Holding the person in their arms, the singer describes how the polka dots and moonbeams seem to sparkle on this enchanting individual. The lyrics suggest that this moment is filled with a sense of wonder and magic.
The following verse hints at the curiosity and questioning glances from other dancers as the singer and their dance partner float across the dance floor. However, the singer's heart knows all the answers and perhaps even understands something deeper and profound about this connection.
The final verse shifts to a future scenario, where the singer is now in a cottage filled with joy and laughter. The lyrics convey a sense of lasting happiness and understanding, suggesting that the singer has found true love and a sense of fulfillment. They declare that they will always see polka dots and moonbeams whenever they kiss this person, emphasizing the magical and dream-like quality of their relationship.
Overall, "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" captures the essence of a beautiful and transformative love encounter, filled with innocence, wonder, and the belief in lasting happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
An event filled with joyful dancing and celebration took place amid nature's tranquility
I felt a bump and heard an 'Oh, beg your pardon'
Unintentionally, I collided with someone and heard their polite apology
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
In that moment, I witnessed vivid patterns and soft moonlight illuminating my surroundings
All around a pug-nosed dream
Enveloping this enchanting scene was a charming and adorable person
The music started and was I the perplexed one
As the music began, I felt bewildered and uncertain
I held my breath and said 'May I have the next one?'
With anticipation, I nervously asked if I could be the next dance partner
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
As we danced, I held this delightful person close, surrounded by whimsical sights
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
Radiating from this captivating individual were qualities that charmed and captivated me
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Curiosity and doubts filled the gaze of onlookers
As we floated over the floor
Gracefully moving across the dance floor, we seemed to glide
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Although others wondered, deep within, I held certainty and understanding
And perhaps a few things more
Possibly, my heart grasped insights beyond what others could comprehend
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Presently, I reside in a home filled with fragrant flowers and joyous mirth
I know the meaning of the words 'Ever after'
I have come to understand the significance of eternal happiness and love
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
Forever, I will perceive delightful patterns and celestial glow in my surroundings
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
Each time I embrace and kiss this adorable person who has captured my heart
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Martin Miller
FYI:
Baritone Saxophone – Harry Carney
Bass – Jimmy Woode
Cover – David Stone Martin
Drums – Sonny Greer
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Lawrence Brown
Trumpet – Clark Terry
The Johnny Hodges signature ballad "Passion Flower" follows "Polka Dots & Moonbeams" in this medley.
Sergio Ignacio Labbe
Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkings are my favorites and now I have an other one; Johnny Hodges. I didn´t know him., a virtuoso !
c m b
billy strayhorn on piano
Joseph Maynor, Development Work, Intellect Mastery
This might be the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Johnny Hodges is such an incredible stylist.