The Song Is Ended

Earl Hines · Other Songs - Earl Hines

My thoughts go back to a heavenly dance

A moment of bliss we spent

Our hearts were filled with a song of romance

As into the night we went

And sang to our hearts' content



The song is ended

But the melody lingers on

You and the song are gone

But the melody lingers on



The night was splendid

And the melody seemed to say

"Summer will pass away

Take your happiness while you may"



There 'neath the light of the moon

We sang a love song that ended too soon



The moon descended

And I found with the break of dawn

You and the song had gone

But the melody lingers on

The Song Is Ended - Earl Hines

Earl Hines, a pioneering figure in the swing era, delivers a masterful performance of 'The Song Is Ended' that exemplifies his sophisticated approach to piano and composition. As a central member of the Hot Five and Hot Seven, Hines was renowned for his intricate harmonic language and rhythmic precision, qualities fully realized in this recording. The track reflects the transitional period of the 1930s, where traditional jazz structures began to evolve into the more complex arrangements that would define the swing era. Hines' ability to blend technical virtuosity with melodic clarity makes this piece a significant example of his discography, showcasing his influence on subsequent generations of jazz pianists. The recording captures the essence of early swing, offering a glimpse into the collaborative spirit of the era's leading musicians.