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.
Get Happy
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ya better chase all your cares away
Sing Hallelujah, come on get happy
Get ready for the judgment day
The sun is shining, come on get happy
The Lord is waiting to take your hand
Shout Hallelujah, come on get happy
We're heading 'cross the river
Gonna wash our sins in the tide
It's all so peaceful
On the other side
Forget your troubles and just get happy
Ya better chase all your cares away
Sing Hallelujah, c'mon get happy
Get ready for the judgment day
The sun is shining, come on get happy
The Lord is waiting to take your hand
Shout Hallelujah, come on get happy
We're going to the Promised Land
We're heading 'cross the river
Wash our sins away in the tide
It's all so peaceful
On the other side
We're heading 'cross the river
Wash our sins away in the tide
It's all so peaceful
On the other side
Forget your troubles and just get happy
Ya better chase your cares away!
Sing Hallelujah, come on get happy
Get ready for the judgment day
The song "Get Happy" by Milt Jackson is an upbeat and optimistic tune that encourages listeners to embrace happiness and let go of their worries. The lyrics advise against holding onto troubles and instead suggest singing and shouting praise to God in anticipation of a final judgment day. The repetition of the phrase "come on get happy" emphasizes the idea that happiness is a choice and it is within our power to pursue it.
The references to sunlight and crossing a river to wash away sins could be interpreted as symbolic of a new beginning or rebirth. The idea of a Promised Land alludes to the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of oppression in Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey. The lyrics of this song can be seen as a call to action for listeners to focus on positivity and hope in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Pack up your troubles and just get happy
Leave behind all your problems and embrace happiness
Ya better chase all your cares away
You should quickly get rid of whatever is troubling you
Sing Hallelujah, come on get happy
Sing praises to God and be joyful
Get ready for the judgment day
Prepare for the day when everyone will be accountable for their actions
The sun is shining, come on get happy
Enjoy the beauty and blessings of life
The Lord is waiting to take your hand
God is ready to help and guide you
We're going to the Promised Land
We are moving towards a better future and a better life
We're heading 'cross the river
We are embarking on a journey towards a new beginning
Gonna wash our sins in the tide
We will cleanse ourselves of our mistakes and wrongdoings
It's all so peaceful
The future looks promising and calm
Forget your troubles and just get happy
Don't let your problems weigh you down, choose to be happy instead.
Ya better chase your cares away!
You should quickly get rid of whatever is troubling you
Sing Hallelujah, come on get happy
Sing praises to God and be joyful
Get ready for the judgment day
Prepare for the day when everyone will be accountable for their actions
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind