Kenny Ball (born Kenneth Daniel Ball on 22 May 1930 in Ilford, Essex; died … Read Full Bio ↴Kenny Ball (born Kenneth Daniel Ball on 22 May 1930 in Ilford, Essex; died 7 March 2013) was an English jazz musician, best known as the bandleader, lead trumpet player and vocalist in Kenny Ball & his Jazzmen.

Ball began his career in the 1950s as sideman in bands before forming his own Trad jazz band in 1958. Ball and his band enjoyed the longest unbroken success for bands of their generation, with their hits like "Samantha" and "Midnight in Moscow" remaining popular in dixieland and trumpet circles. Ball's status rivals contemporaries Acker Bilk and Chris Barber. In March of 1962 Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen reached #2 on the US Billboard charts, with "Midnight in Moscow".

Ball continued to tour in the 2000s and charted no fewer than 14 Top 30 hit singles in the UK alone, the most by any jazz artist.

The line-up changed greatly over the years, but the following personnel were in situ when the musical ensemble was at its commercial peak:
Kenny Ball (trumpet)
John Bennett (trombone), still in the line-up at the time of Ball's death
Dave Jones (clarinet)
Ron Weatherburn (piano)
Paddy Lightfoot (banjo)
Ron Bowden (drums)
Vic Pitt (bass, bass guitar)

The Green Leaves of Summer
Kenny Ball Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

A time to be reapin', a time to be sowin'
The green leaves of Summer are callin' me home
'Twas so good to be young then, in a season of plenty
When the catfish were jumpin' as high as the sky

A time just for plantin', a time just for ploughin'
A time to be courtin' a girl of your own
'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth

And to stand by your wife at the moment of birth

A time to be reapin', a time to be sowin'
The green leaves of Summer are callin' me home
'Twas so good to be young then, with the sweet smell of apples
And the owl in the pine tree a-winkin' his eye

A time just for plantin', a time just for ploughin'
A time just for livin', a place for to die
'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth
Now the green leaves of Summer are callin' me home

'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth
Now the green leaves of Summer are callin' me home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Green Leaves of Summer" by Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen revolve around the seasons and the cycles of life on a farm. The song starts with the idea that there is a time for everything, represented by the call of the green leaves of summer. This call is a longing for home, a place where the singer feels he belongs. He then reminisces about his youth, where life was simpler and full of abundance. He remembers the vivid image of catfish jumping in the sky, which is an exaggerated representation of a time when anything was possible.

The song continues with the idea that there is a time for planting, plowing, and courtship. The singer remembers the feeling of being young and being close to the earth, connected to the natural world. He also remembers the joy of starting a family and standing by his wife during childbirth. The song comes full circle with the repetition of the first verse, reminding us that everything in life has its seasons, and the green leaves of summer will always call us home.

Overall, the song is about the beauty and simplicity of life, about being connected to the earth, and about the importance of family and community. It reminds us to cherish the fleeting moments of life and to embrace the natural cycles of the world around us.

Line by Line Meaning

A time to be reapin', a time to be sowin'
It's time to harvest what has been planted, and prepare to plant again

The green leaves of Summer are callin' me home
Nature is beckoning me to return to my roots

'Twas so good to be young then, in a season of plenty
I look back with fondness on my youth, when everything was abundant

When the catfish were jumpin' as high as the sky
The world around me was full of energy and vitality

A time just for plantin', a time just for ploughin'
Each task has its own season, its own time

A time to be courtin' a girl of your own
Young love is a special experience that deserves its own time and attention

'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth
Being in touch with nature was a source of joy and fulfillment

And to stand by your wife at the moment of birth
Witnessing the miracle of new life was a moment of deep connection and meaning

With the sweet smell of apples and the owl in the pine tree a-winkin' his eye
The world was full of sensory delights that made life richer and more colorful

A time just for livin', a place for to die
Life has its own rhythm and cycles, leading eventually to a final resting place

Now the green leaves of Summer are callin' me home
As I near the end of my journey, I am drawn back to the simplicity and beauty of nature

'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth
Being in touch with nature was a source of joy and fulfillment

Now the green leaves of Summer are callin' me home
As I near the end of my journey, I am drawn back to the simplicity and beauty of nature

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DIMITRI TIOMKIN, PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS