Milton "Bags" Jackson (January 1, 1923 – October 9, 1999) was an American j… Read Full Bio ↴Milton "Bags" Jackson (January 1, 1923 – October 9, 1999) was an American jazz vibraphonist, usually thought of as a bebop player, although he performed in several jazz idioms. He is especially remembered for his cool swinging solos as a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet and his penchant for collaborating with several hard bop and post-bop players.

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.

Don't Worry 'bout Me
Milt Jackson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't worry 'bout me
I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love

Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way

And still be friends

Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool

Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me

Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be

So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Worry 'bout Me" by Milt Jackson is a beautiful ballad that talks about the end of a romantic relationship. The lyrics seem to be a message from one partner to another, suggesting that it's time for them to move on and forget about each other. The singer insists that they will be okay and that their former partner should focus on finding happiness for themselves. The sentiment behind these lyrics is both melancholy and hopeful, as it suggests that while the relationship may be over, both parties can still find a way to move forward and find happiness.

The song's first verse talks about how the relationship has come to an end and suggests that it's time for both parties to move on. The second verse gives a clear message to the partner, urging them to "look out for [themselves]" and not be "a fool" by holding onto something that has ended. The chorus repeats the phrase "don't worry 'bout me" as a reassuring message to the partner that the singer will be okay, and they should focus on their own happiness instead.

Throughout the song, there's a sense of sadness and loss, but there's also a glimmer of hope that things will get better. By urging the partner to move on and not worry about them, the singer is acknowledging that while the relationship has ended, life goes on, and there is still a chance for both parties to find happiness in the future.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't worry 'bout me
Please do not fret about my welfare

I'll get along
I am confident that I will manage just fine

Forget about me
Please release me from your thoughts and memories

Just be happy my love
I only desire your happiness and wellbeing

Let's say that our little show is over
Let's accept that our relationship has ended

And so the story ends
Our tale has come to a close

Why not call it a day the sensible way
Let's conclude our relationship in a rational and reasonable manner

And still be friends
And remain on good terms with one another

Look out for yourself
Prioritize your own needs and wellbeing

That should be the rule
That is the guideline to follow

Give your heart and your love
Offer your affection and devotion