Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman's recordings were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz". Using a large ensemble and exploring many styles of music, Whiteman is perhaps best known for his blending of symphonic music and jazz, as typified by his 1924 commissioning and debut of George Gershwin's jazz-influenced "Rhapsody In Blue". Whiteman recorded many jazz and pop standards during his career, including "Wang Wang Blues", "Mississippi Mud", "Rhapsody in Blue", "Wonderful One", "Hot Lips", "Mississippi Suite", and "Grand Canyon Suite". His popularity faded in the swing music era of the 1930s, and by the 1940s Whiteman was semi-retired from music.
Whiteman's place in the history of early jazz is somewhat controversial.[1] Detractors suggest that Whiteman's ornately-orchestrated music was jazz in name only (lacking the genre's improvisational and emotional depth), and co-opted the innovations of black musicians.[1] Defenders note that Whiteman's fondness for jazz was genuine (he worked with black musicians as much as was feasible during an era of racial segregation),[1] that his bands included many of the era's most esteemed white jazz musicians, and argue that Whiteman's groups handled jazz admirably as part of a larger repertoire.[2] In his autobiography, Duke Ellington[3] declared, "Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity."
At Twilight
Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I jog along,
The world is like a dream
And the ripple of the stream is my song
When it's twilight on the trail,
And I rest once more,
My ceiling is the sky
Never ever have a nickel in my jeans,
Never ever have a debt to pay,
Still I understand what real contentment means,
Guess I was born that way
When it's twilight on the trail,
And my voice is still,
Please plant this heart of mine
Underneath the lonesome pine on the hill
(Underneath the lonesome pine on the hill)
When it's twilight on the trail
These lyrics describe a peaceful and serene moment experienced by the singer as they journey along a trail during twilight. The twilight setting creates a dream-like atmosphere, and the singer compares the world to a dream. As they jog along, the gentle sound of the stream becomes their song, adding to the tranquility of the moment.
The second verse reveals that during this twilight journey, the singer finds rest and solace. They lie down on the grass as their own natural bed, and the open sky is their ceiling. This notion highlights the simplicity and connection to nature that the singer feels. The absence of material possessions like money or debts is emphasized, but it does not bother the singer as they know true contentment lies in the beauty of the natural world around them.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has always been content with a simple life, implying that their disposition and mindset are innately inclined towards finding joy in the simplest pleasures. This natural inclination adds a sense of authenticity to their contentment, as if it is a core part of their being.
The final verse indicates a desire for eternal rest beneath a lonesome pine tree on a hill. This could be seen as a yearning for a tranquil resting place in nature, where the singer's heart can be at peace, far away from worldly concerns or attachments. The repetition of the phrase "when it's twilight on the trail" throughout the song reinforces the sense of longing for these peaceful moments and seeking solace in the natural world.
Overall, these lyrics paint a picture of an individual finding solace and contentment in the simplicity of nature and the tranquility of twilight. They value the beauty and peace found in the natural world, and they embrace a life free from the burdens of material possessions. It is a song that captures the essence of finding joy in the little things and appreciating the beauty of the natural world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's twilight on the trail
During the peaceful evening time on the path
And I jog along
And I move steadily forward
The world is like a dream
The surroundings appear surreal and enchanting
And the ripple of the stream is my song
The gentle flow of the stream serves as my melody
And I rest once more
And I take a moment to pause
My ceiling is the sky
The open sky above becomes my shelter
And the grass on which I lie is my floor
The soft grass beneath me becomes my ground
Never ever have a nickel in my jeans
I am never burdened with financial worries
Never ever have a debt to pay
There are no obligations weighing me down
Still I understand what real contentment means
Yet I comprehend the true essence of satisfaction
Guess I was born that way
Perhaps it is inherent in my nature
And my voice is still
When I reach a state of silence
Please plant this heart of mine
I ask that you bury my emotions
Underneath the lonesome pine on the hill
Beneath the solitary pine tree atop the slope
(Underneath the lonesome pine on the hill)
(In that isolated location)
When it's twilight on the trail
During the peaceful evening time on the path
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUIS ALTER, SIDNEY MITCHELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
This recording, so sublimely suggestive of a brief period, in the long day, to bring peace and tranquility, has always been a favorite of mine among Whiteman sides of the time. The vocal trio is glorious, with Crosby, Rinker (two thirds of the Rhythm Boys) and Fulton providing different shades of blue in the dusky sky. The chimes, presumably clanged by drummer Hal McDonald, and the celeste of either Bargy or Hayton provide those emerging stars we dare not ask for amid such an extravagance of sonic beauty. Lang's steady chug is a horse-driven carriage wending its way back to home and hearth, while Tram is one of those singing birds, on its way to the nest. The trumpet section is the door of the cottage swinging open to reveal the loved one, long-awaited throughout the workday. A beautiful performance!
Kirk Barkley
Such a lovely melody! Listen to Ray Noble's more romantic version on Y.T. as well
Ernesto Ramirez
Ay qué buena canción
C Porter
Have always loved this one it first appeared on the RCC. Same with the Flip. Hope to get this Potato-Head some day.