The paths of Johnny Hodges (John Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges, nicknames: "Rab… Read Full Bio ↴The paths of Johnny Hodges (John Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges, nicknames: "Rabbit", "Jeep". b. July 25, 1907, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, d. May 11, 1970) and Duke Ellington are eternally intertwined. While Hodges is now universally acknowledged as one of the seminal alto saxophonists in jazz he was, at times, overlooked as an artist in his own right; somehow hidden in the penumbra of The Duke Ellington Orchestra, for which Mr. Hodges was the lead alto player for many decades (doubling on soprano saxophone in the '30's and '40's as well).

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.

What Is This Thing Called Love?
Johnny Hodges Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was a hum-drum person
Leading a life apart
When love flew in through my window wide
And quickened my hum-drum heart
Love flew in through my window
I was so happy then
But after love had stayed a little while
Love flew out again

What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve its mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?
I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw my heart away
That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?

You gave me days of sunshine
You gave me nights of cheer
You made my life an enchanted dream
'Til somebody else came near
Somebody else came near you
I felt the winter's chill

And now I sit and wonder night and day
Why I love you still

Overall Meaning

In Johnny Hodges's song "What Is This Thing Called Love?" the singer is describing how he experienced a rather ordinary life. But, all of a sudden, he fell in love, and it changed his life completely. The singer describes how love came unexpectedly, in the form of a flying object that entered his life through his open window. His heart felt quickened and he was extremely happy with the newfound love. However, just as unexpectedly as love came into his life, it vanished really soon.

The singer then switches to a more introspective tone and starts questioning the meaning of love. He is left wondering why love is so elusive and what is its mysterious nature. He is baffled as to how love can make a person foolish and how he could fall so hard for someone who eventually broke his heart. Nevertheless, he is still in love with this person, and he wonders why his heart still beats for her despite the pain she inflicted upon him.

Line by Line Meaning

I was a hum-drum person
I lived a dull life

Leading a life apart
I lived a life disconnected from love

When love flew in through my window wide
When I finally experienced love

And quickened my hum-drum heart
My heart and life felt energized

Love flew in through my window
Love entered my life

I was so happy then
I felt elated when I found love

But after love had stayed a little while
However, love didn't stay for long

Love flew out again
Love left as quickly as it came

What is this thing called love?
What kind of emotion is love?

This funny thing called love?
This curious emotion called love?

Just who can solve its mystery?
It's a mystery beyond comprehension