A very expressive player, Jackson differentiated himself from other vibraphonists in his attention to variations on harmonics and rhythm. He was particularly fond of the twelve-bar blues at slow tempos. He preferred to set the vibraphone's oscillator to a low 3.3 revolutions per second (as opposed to Lionel Hampton's speed of 10 revolutions per second) for a more subtle vibrato. On occasion, Jackson would also sing and play piano professionally.
He was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie, who hired him for his sextet in 1946. He quickly acquired experience working with the most important figures in jazz of the era, including John Coltrane, Woody Herman, Howard McGhee, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker. In the Gillespie big band one of his jobs was to play in a quartet with John Lewis, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke while the horn section took a break from the demanding high-register horn parts. This group became the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ), which had a long independent career of 20 years until disbanding in 1974 over financial problems (though it reformed in 1981). Jackson then toured alone, performing in various small combos.
From the mid-70s to the mid-80s, Jackson recorded for Norman Granz's Pablo Records, including the classic, "Jackson, Johnson, Brown & Company" (1983), featuring Jackson with J.J. Johnson on trombone, Ray Brown on bass, backed by Tom Ranier on piano, guitarist John Collins, and drummer Roy McCurdy.
He also guested on recordings by many leading jazz, blues and soul artists, such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, etc.
His composition "Bags' Groove" ("Bags" was his nickname, from the 'bags' under his eyes from staying up late) is a jazz standard. He has been featured on the NPR radio program Jazz Profiles.
Ain't Misbehavin'
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All by myself
No one to walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
I know for certain
I'm through with flirtin'
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me
I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me
I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
The lyrics of Milt Jackson's song "Ain't Misbehavin'" express a sense of contentment and devotion to a loved one. The opening lines, "No one to talk with, all by myself, no one to walk with, but I'm happy on the shelf," convey a feeling of being alone, but finding joy in solitude. The singer is emphasizing their choice to not engage in misbehavior because they are saving their love for someone special.
The next lines, "I know for certain the one I love, I'm through with flirtin', it's just you I'm thinkin' of," express a strong commitment to one person. The singer has decided to stop flirting with others and is completely focused on their beloved. This reinforces their dedication and loyalty.
The reference to Jack Horner, who sits in the corner and doesn't go anywhere, signifies the singer's willingness to patiently wait for their loved one. They don't mind staying in one place because they believe that the kisses and love they receive from their partner are worth waiting for.
The following lines, "I don't stay out late, don't care to go, I'm home about eight, just me and my radio," highlight the singer's preference for spending time at home. They are content with simple pleasures and seem to find comfort in the company of their radio. This further emphasizes their devotion and commitment.
Overall, "Ain't Misbehavin'" portrays a person who is satisfied being alone and is willing to wait patiently for their loved one. They have chosen to focus their love and attention on this special someone and are unaffected by the temptations or distractions of the outside world.
Line by Line Meaning
No one to talk with
I have no one to engage in conversation with
All by myself
I am completely alone
No one to walk with
I have nobody to accompany me on walks
But I'm happy on the shelf
Despite being alone, I am content with my current situation
Ain't misbehavin'
I am not behaving improperly
I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving my affection exclusively for you
I know for certain
I am absolutely sure
The one I love
The person I deeply care for
I'm through with flirtin'
I have concluded my interactions with potential romantic interests
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
You are the only one occupying my thoughts
Like Jack Horner
Similar to the character Jack Horner
In the corner
Positioned in a secluded place
Don't go nowhere
I have no intention of going anywhere
What do I care?
I have no concern or interest
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
The anticipation of your kisses is valuable and worthwhile
Believe me
Trust my words to be true
I don't stay out late
I do not remain outside until late hours
Don't care to go
I have no desire to go out
I'm home about eight
I arrive home around eight o'clock
Just me and my radio
Only myself and my radio are present
Ain't misbehavin'
I am not behaving improperly
I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving my affection exclusively for you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Harry Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind