Eldridge was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His nickname was Little Jazz. Eldridge played in the bands of Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw before making records under his own name. He also played in Benny Goodman's and Count Basie's Orchestras, and co-led a band with Coleman Hawkins.
When It
Roy Eldridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why should ev'rybody pity me,
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin',
they dance till break of day
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs
Takes me back there where I belong
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
The lyrics to Roy Eldridge-Oscar Peterson-Dizzy Gillespie's song "When It's Happy Time Down South" beautifully capture the feelings of someone who is feeling homesick, tired and alone in a big city. The opening line "Homesick tired" sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer expresses his sadness and longing for his hometown. He wonders why no one seems to understand how he feels, and why they don't pity him for his predicament. Perhaps he feels like an outsider in this big city, and longs for a sense of belonging.
The second stanza paints a vivid picture of a night in the south. The singer hears people singing and dancing until the break of day, and he longs to be a part of this community. He remembers the dreamy songs of his ancestors and the beauty and warmth of the Southland. The chorus is a poignant reminder of how much he misses his mother's embrace, and how he yearns to return to the place where he truly feels at home. The lyrics are a wonderful example of how music can evoke powerful emotions and transport us to different places and times.
Line by Line Meaning
Homesick tired
Feeling nostalgic and weary
All alone in a big city
Being isolated and lonely in an urban area
Why should ev'rybody pity me,
Questioning the sympathy or compassion of other people
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin',
As the evening approaches, people are enjoying music and singing
They dance till break of day
They keep dancing until dawn
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs
Fondly recalling the South, and its soothing music
Takes me back there where I belong
Reminding the singer of where they feel they fit in
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
Wishing for the comfort of a maternal figure
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Referring back to the idea of being nostalgic and at peace in the southern United States
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: CLARENCE MUSE, LEON RENE, OTIS RENE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mistermister6686
Tracks:
A1 A Foggy Day 00:00
A2 Blue Moon 05:44
A3 Stormy Weather 09:44
A4 Sweethearts On Parade 14:11
B1 If I Had You 18:44
B2 I Only Have Eyes For You 22:33
B3 Sweet Georgia Brown 29:49
B4 The Song Is Ended 34:23
Credits:
Roy Eldridge - trumpet
Oscar Peterson - piano
Herb Ellis - guitar
Ray Brown - bass
Buddy Rich - drums
Recorded September 14, 1954
Fine Sound Studios, NYC
@mistermister6686
Tracks:
A1 A Foggy Day 00:00
A2 Blue Moon 05:44
A3 Stormy Weather 09:44
A4 Sweethearts On Parade 14:11
B1 If I Had You 18:44
B2 I Only Have Eyes For You 22:33
B3 Sweet Georgia Brown 29:49
B4 The Song Is Ended 34:23
Credits:
Roy Eldridge - trumpet
Oscar Peterson - piano
Herb Ellis - guitar
Ray Brown - bass
Buddy Rich - drums
Recorded September 14, 1954
Fine Sound Studios, NYC
@kodebruijn4753
the great musicians of the past, love them! But I would like to hear them more on this record.
@ritchiemims8160
Chillin' on a Sunday morning with Roy "Little Jazz" Eldridge
@bojanboskovic6744
Little Jazzy Evening! Roy & Bourbon Big Bang! Across The Universe!
@RJ986S
This music is so full of heart and soul and the blues. Since it's near February, I'm picturing myself at a nice Mardi Gras party in a swinging bistro in New Orleans! 🍺😊
@CalebOrvik
Killing!
@ronaldunkel2681
What a great jazzy/bluesy music folks. The best of the best folks playing a swingin’ session. Hooroo’s & Cheers!
@DanielBarberMusic
Don't think I've ever heard this album. What a collection of greats and what a joy to listen to... Thanks for posting!
@supersmudge59
Incomparable Roy Eldridge
@derkzweers4142
God do I love a foggy day if it sounds like this !