On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Billie Holiday Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But no I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But no I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
With gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
On the Sunny Side of the Street is a song performed by Billie Holiday that portrays optimism and a positive outlook towards life. It is about leaving all worries behind and embracing the bright and sunny side of life. The lyrics highlight the feeling of joy and happiness that comes with leaving troubles at the doorstep and enjoying the sunshine on the other side of the street.
The song's opening lines, "Grab your coat and get your hat, leave your worries on the doorstep," usher in the idea of a new beginning, a fresh start to a day that is just waiting to be seized. This song talks about the transformation one can experience from living with the blues to crossing over to a better life. Finally, the phrases "life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street" and "even if I never have a cent, I'd be rich as Rockefeller" reiterate the theme of hope and optimism.
Line by Line Meaning
Grab your coat and get your hat
Prepare yourself to go out into the world
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Forget about your problems for a while
Just direct your feet
Focus on moving forward
To the sunny side of the street
To the positive and optimistic side of life
Can't you hear a pitter pat
Can't you feel the rhythm of life
And that happy tune is your step
The joy of life is reflected in your movement
Life can be so sweet
Life is full of good things
I used to walk in the shade
I used to be unhappy
With those blues on parade
I used to show my sadness to the world
But no I'm not afraid
But now I'm not scared anymore
This Rover crossed over
I've left the negative behind me
If I never have a cent
Even if I have no money
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I would still feel wealthy
With gold dust at my feet
With everything I need right in front of me
On the sunny side of the street
Living life from a positive perspective
Grab your coat and get your hat
Get ready to go out into the world again
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Leave your problems behind
Just direct your feet
Stay focused on what's ahead
To the sunny side of the street
To the good and happy side of life
Can't you hear a pitter pat
Can't you hear the sound of life's energy
And that happy tune is your step
Let the joy of life guide you
Life can be so sweet
Life can be full of wonderful things
On the sunny side of the street
When you're optimistic and positive
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eliza Bradley
Billie's voice like a sweet waterfall trickling through gardenia's petals ~ intoxicating pitches ~ fragrance sublime ~ Billie you are loved forever ~ 🤗
Frank Levine
I'm in love ....what a wonderful song and great interpretation. Billie still lives in my heart.
Used2BTammyC
Of so many wonderful recordings of this song, this version of Billie's is easily my favourite.
Wayne J
Yes, this is the best one, for me too. Peggy Lee does a fine job, as well, but Billie's version takes all the marbles. Of course.
lalu mo
Billie, do you know you are healing my heart with your voice?...
Sebastien Tabla
I love the way music was recorded and mixed at that time. simple but real performers !
serpentinecreature
This was my Mom's favorite song. Never could figure why she liked it 'til now !
Sergi Quel
Great song, greatest singer
1928jazz
Great arrangement, great Billie and wonderful Eddie Heywood on piano. One of my favorites.
JeffRebornNow
Yes, this version of Sunny Side was arranged wonderfully, and Heywood's ivory tinkling was very pretty. Billie just amazes me, honestly. I don't know how she hangs back so much and yet hits the beat every time. And this is an upbeat song but she manages to transfuse melancholy into it somehow.