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.
Sometimes I'm Happy
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sweetheart, when you are not near
All that you claim must be true
For I'm just the same as you
[Chorus]
Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm blue
My disposition depends on you
If I can find the sun in your eyes
Sometimes I love you, sometimes I hate you
But when I hate you, it's 'cause I love you
That's how I am, so what can I do?
I'm happy when I'm with you
Stars are smiling at me from your eyes
Sunbeams now there will be in the skies
Tell me that you will be true
That will all depend on you
[Chorus]
Milt Jackson's "Sometimes I'm Happy" is a sweet ballad that explores the emotions of being in love. The song begins with the singer expressing the intensity of their longing for their beloved. They claim that every day without their sweetheart feels like a year - a hyperbole that highlights the depth of their emotion. The singer also seems to believe that their partner shares this feeling - "All that you claim must be true, For I'm just the same as you."
The chorus of the song introduces the central idea that "Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm blue / My disposition depends on you." Here, the singer admits that their emotional state is entirely dependent on the whims of their lover. They don't mind the rain as long as they have the sun in their beloved's eyes. The emotional see-saw continues with the lines "Sometimes I love you, sometimes I hate you / But when I hate you, it's 'cause I love you." These lines speak to the complicated nature of love and how it can inspire both intense passion and frustration.
The song ends on a hopeful note with the lines "Stars are smiling at me from your eyes / Sunbeams now there will be in the skies / Tell me that you will be true / That will all depend on you." It's clear that the singer is still very much in love and hopes that their partner will reciprocate this feeling. Overall, "Sometimes I'm Happy" is a tender love song that captures the ups and downs of being in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day seems like a year
Without you, time moves unnaturally slow for me.
Sweetheart, when you are not near
I feel incomplete and lonely when you're not here with me.
All that you claim must be true
I believe every word you say to me because I love and trust you.
For I'm just the same as you
My emotions and love for you are just as powerful as yours for me.
Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm blue
My emotions vary based solely on your presence or absence in my life.
My disposition depends on you
My moods and overall outlook on life are heavily influenced by your actions and words towards me.
I never mind the rain from the skies
Even during difficult times, I am content as long as I have you by my side.
If I can find the sun in your eyes
Your love and happiness radiates onto me and brightens up my world.
Sometimes I love you, sometimes I hate you
My love and passion for you come in waves, but it never truly fades away.
But when I hate you, it's 'cause I love you
I may express anger or frustration towards you, but it stems from my deep love and care for you.
That's how I am, so what can I do?
I am unapologetically passionate and emotional when it comes to loving you, it's just who I am.
I'm happy when I'm with you
My ultimate source of joy and contentment in life is being around you.
Stars are smiling at me from your eyes
I see celestial beauty and wonder in your gaze.
Sunbeams now there will be in the skies
Your love fills my world with light, even during the darkest days.
Tell me that you will be true
Promise me that you will stay by my side and love me always.
That will all depend on you
The fate and security of our love rests solely in your hands, and I trust you to make the right choices.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: CLIFFORD GREY, IRVING CAESAR, VINCENT YOUMANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind