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.
Solitude
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You haunt me
With dreadful ease
Of days gone by
In my solitude
You taunt me
With memories
I sit in my chair
And filled with despair
There's no one could be so sad
With gloom everywhere
I sit and I stare
I know that I'll soon go mad
In my solitude
I'm afraid
Dear Lord above
Send back my love
I sit in my chair
Filled with despair
There's no one, no one
No onecould be so sad
With gloom everywhere
I sit and I stare
I know that I'll soon go mad
In my solitude
I'm afraid
Dear Lord above
Send back my love
Johnny Hodges's song Solitude is a hauntingly beautiful composition that immerses the listener into a world of melancholic introspection. The lyrics depict the deep pain and loneliness of a person while they sit alone in their chair, troubled by memories of a lost love. The character is haunted by their past, and they cannot escape it, even in their solitude. The feelings of deep despair and sadness are palpable in the words, and the listener can almost feel the weight of the emotions conveyed by the song.
The use of language is significant, with words that create a haunting and solemn atmosphere. Words such as "haunt," "dreadful ease," "taunt," and "memories that never die" suggest that the character is dealing with an emotional wound that refuses to heal. The singer's desperation to have love returned to them is highlighted with the repeated, "Send back my love," suggesting that their life is incomplete without their beloved. Additionally, the couplet "I know that I'll soon go mad" evokes the feeling of a despairing, hopeless life and the possibility of losing one's mind as a consequence.
The song is considered one of Johnny Hodges's best works, showcasing his incredible talent as a musician and an arranger. The song's simplicity belies its complexity, with the subtle orchestrations and tenderness of the arrangement making it a standout piece in the repertoire. The piece was composed in 1934, but its popularity has endured, with numerous covers recorded over the years, including by greats such as Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington himself.
Line by Line Meaning
In my solitude
Alone in my thoughts and feelings
You haunt me
Your memory persists and intrudes on my thoughts
With dreadful ease
It is effortless for your memory to affect me
Of days gone by
From a time that has passed and cannot be relived
You taunt me
Your memory mocks and torments me
With memories
Recollections of our time together
That never die
Your memory persists and endures
I sit in my chair
I am stationary, deep in thought and sadness
And filled with despair
Overwhelmed with hopelessness and grief
There's no one could be so sad
No one could be as sorrowful as I am in this moment
With gloom everywhere
The surroundings are bleak and dismal
I sit and I stare
I am motionless, lost in my thoughts
I know that I'll soon go mad
I fear that my sorrow will drive me to insanity
I'm afraid
I am scared and anxious
Dear Lord above
A plea to God for help and guidance
Send back my love
Bring back the one I love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, EDDIE LANGE DE, IRVING MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Young
He must've been a man of profound emotions which meant he could transfer them to a saxophone as played by no other I've listened to. This is not to say there weren't other great saxophonists. It's just that Hodges was in a league all by himself.
Peter Swanson
Incredible talent!
John Benn
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.