The Jitterbug Waltz
Abbey Lincoln · Other Songs - Abbey Lincoln
The crowd is almost gone and here we are still dancin'
Nothing to do but waltz
Our feet can barely move, my legs are yellin'"Whoa"
But we're in such a groove that love is still advancin'
Nothing to do but waltz
You can't suggest that we could go on Jitterbuggin'
We've nothing left for moves more strenuous than huggin'
But we don't need much room to gently cut a rug in we two
I'm tired and out of juice and yet from head to toe
My body's feeling loose and warm and kind of supple
Nothing to do but waltz
The minutes slip away, my arms just won't let go
I think I'd like to stay 'til we're the only couple
Nothing to do but waltz
You never know how far this sort of thing will get you
We're not as tired as we would like to think, I bet you
You'd stay up half the night with me if I would let you
So come let the waltz play again
The Jitterbug Waltz
Abbey Lincoln delivers a hauntingly intimate performance of 'The Jitterbug Waltz,' a track that bridges the gap between traditional swing and the emerging soul and jazz-funk movements of the late 1960s. Recorded during a pivotal era for her career, the song showcases her signature vocal style, characterized by a rich, resonant tone and a unique ability to convey deep emotion without relying on complex instrumental arrangements. The piece stands as a testament to her versatility, blending the rhythmic energy of the jitterbug dance with the melodic sensibilities of a waltz. As part of her extensive discography, this recording highlights her status as a leading figure in the soul and jazz genres, offering listeners a profound auditory experience that remains a staple in discussions of her influential body of work.