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.
You Go to My Head
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you linger like a haunting refrain
And I find you spinning round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne
You go to my head
Like a sip of sparkling burgundy brew
And I find the very mention of you
The thrill of the thought
That you might give a thought to my plea, cast a spell over me
Still I say to myself get a hold of yourself
Can't you see that it never can be?
You go to my head
With a smile that makes my temperature rise
Like a summer with a thousand July's
You intoxicate my soul with your eyes
Though I'm certain that this heart of mine
Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance
You go to my head
You go to my head
These lyrics are all about the overwhelming feeling of being infatuated with someone. The person being addressed in the song "goes to my head" and "lingers like a haunting refrain," implying that they are always on the singer's mind, even when they don't want them to be. The image of "spinning round in my brain like bubbles in a glass of champagne" suggests both the intensity of the feeling and the way it can make the world feel a little fizzy and dizzying.
The next verse compares the person to "sparkling burgundy brew" and a "kicker in a julep," portraying them as something intoxicating that's hard to resist. The singer knows that this feeling is not entirely healthy or rational, admitting that "still I say to myself get a hold of yourself." However, they can't help but be affected by the person's smile and the way they "intoxicate my soul with your eyes."
The final lines are bittersweet, as the singer acknowledges that their love is unlikely to be requited ("Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance"). Nevertheless, the person continues to hold a powerful hold over them, occupying their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels almost like an addiction. Overall, the lyrics capture the heady rush of falling in love, even when it's not necessarily rational or healthy.
Line by Line Meaning
You go to my head
You occupy a significant portion of my thoughts and emotions.
And you linger like a haunting refrain
The memory of you continues to affect me like a recurring melody.
And I find you spinning round in my brain
I cannot stop thinking about you, you constantly occupy my mind.
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne
Thoughts of you are effervescent and intoxicating.
Like a sip of sparkling burgundy brew
You have a similar tantalizing effect on me as a fine, sparkling wine.
And I find the very mention of you
Even hearing your name brings me joy and longing.
Like the kicker in a julep or two
You add an extra kick of excitement to my thoughts and feelings.
The thrill of the thought
The excitement and anticipation of the possibility of a connection with you.
That you might give a thought to my plea, cast a spell over me
The idea that you might be open to my affection and desire is magical and captivating.
Still I say to myself get a hold of yourself
I remind myself to be rational and avoid excessive emotional attachment.
Can't you see that it never can be?
I realize that a romantic connection with you is unlikely or impossible.
With a smile that makes my temperature rise
Your smile has a powerful effect on me, causing a physical reaction.
Like a summer with a thousand July's
Your presence and impact on me feel as intense and long-lasting as a summer season filled with endless days of warmth and joy.
You intoxicate my soul with your eyes
Your gaze and presence have a profound effect on me, affecting me at a deep level.
Though I'm certain that this heart of mine
Despite knowing the potential heartache, I cannot help my feelings for you.
Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance
I believe that our chance at romance is impossible or unlikely.
You go to my head
Ultimately, thoughts of you are inescapable and constantly on my mind.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: J.F. Coots, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind