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.
Silvery Moon And Golden Sands
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Silvery moon and golden sands
We were dancing 'neath the sky of tropic blue
Two hearts in bloom - while holding hands
We were in an earthly paradise for two
. . Shy native daughters - soft frenzy breeze
Silvery moon - and golden sands
Bring a memory of Waikiki and you
The song Silvery Moon And Golden Sands by Johnny Hodges is an enchanting melody that uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a romantic evening under the stars on a tropical island. The opening lyrics, "Silvery moon and golden sands; We were dancing 'neath the sky of tropic blue," immediately transport the listener to a magical place, where two people are enjoying each other's company in a carefree, idyllic setting. The song continues with "Two hearts in bloom - while holding hands; We were in an earthly paradise for two," which captures the essence of young love, where everything seems perfect and love is in full bloom.
The second verse of the song expands on the tropical setting, "Lazy like waters - dreaming like palm trees; Shy native daughters - soft frenzy breeze." Here Hodges employs alliteration to describe the ease and calmness of the water, the serene expression of the palm trees swaying in the breeze, the timidness of the native women, and finally the gentle calming wind that was all around. These images further emphasize the utopia that the couple found themselves in.
The chorus brings the song full circle, as the singer reminisces about his time with his lover in Waikiki, "Silvery moon - and golden sands; Bring a memory of Waikiki and you." The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but the way Johnny Hodges delivers them brings the song to a whole new level.
Line by Line Meaning
Silvery moon and golden sands
The moon and sand look silvery and golden respectively.
We were dancing 'neath the sky of tropic blue
We were dancing under the blue sky of the tropics.
Two hearts in bloom - while holding hands
We were two people in love, holding hands.
We were in an earthly paradise for two
We felt like we were in paradise on earth, just the two of us.
Lazy like waters - dreaming like palm trees
We were relaxing and taking it easy, like calm waters, while dreaming of a peaceful life like palm trees.
Shy native daughters - soft frenzy breeze
The local women were shy, and the gentle breeze was refreshing.
Silvery moon - and golden sands
The moon and sand still look silvery and golden respectively.
Bring a memory of Waikiki and you
This brings back memories of being in Waikiki with you.
Contributed by Anna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.