This week I am opting for something timeless instead of topical: Duke Ellington’s “Solitude.” This one of Ellington’s greatest compositions. Indeed, it is probably one of the greatest songs of all time. “Solitude” never gets old, whether it is being sung by Louis Armstrong or Matt Johnson for The The. I love hearing the lyrics from Billie Holiday, but also love the instrumental version on Money Jungle (a phenomenal Ellington album with Charles Mingus and Max Roach). The rich, yet simple, music captures the feeling of the song perfectly.
In my solitude you haunt me
With reveries of days gone by
In my solitude you taunt me
With memories that never die
I sit in my chair
Filled with despair
Nobody could be so sad
With gloom ev’rywhere
I sit and I stare
I know that I’ll soon go mad
In my solitude
I’m praying
Dear Lord above
Send back my love