Let Me Sing And I'm Happy
Al Jolson Lyrics


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What care I who makes the laws of a nation?
Let those who will take care of it's right and wrongs
What care I who cares for the world's affairs?
As long as I can sing it's popular songs

Let me sing a funny song with crazy words that roll along
And if my song can start you laughing, I'm happy, happy
Let me sing a sad refrain of broken hearts who loved in vain
And if my song can start you crying, I'm happy

Let me croon a low-down blues that lifts you out of your seat
If my blues can reach your shoes and start you tapping your feet, I'm happy
Let me sing of Dixie's charms, of cotton fields and Mammy's arms
And if my song can make you homesick, I'm happy

Let me sing a funny song with crazy words that roll along
And if my song can start you laughing, I'm happy, happy
Let me sing a sad refrain of broken hearts who loved in vain
And if my song can start you crying, I'm happy

Oh, let me croon a low-down blues that lifts you out of your seat
If my blues can reach your shoes and start you tapping your feet, I'm happy




I want to sing of Dixie's charms, of cotton fields and Mammy's arms
And if my song can make you homesick, I'm happy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Al Jolson's song "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" speak to the power of music in soothing the soul and bringing joy to the listener. The opening lines suggest a certain degree of detachment from the issues that plague society, as the singer proclaims, "What care I who makes the laws of a nation? Let those who will take care of its right and wrongs." Instead, the singer finds solace and purpose in the act of singing, with a particular emphasis on the ability of music to elicit specific emotions in the listener.


The chorus establishes the importance of laughter and tears in the music industry, with the singer stating that "If my song can start you laughing, I'm happy" and "If my song can start you crying, I'm happy." The verses expand upon this theme, with the singer suggesting that their repertoire includes everything from "funny songs with crazy words that roll along" to "sad refrains of broken hearts who loved in vain" and "low-down blues that lifts you out of your seat." The singer's ultimate goal is to evoke emotional responses in the listener, whether it be nostalgia for their homeland or a sense of joy in their current surroundings.


Overall, Al Jolson's "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and provide comfort in difficult times. The song speaks to the universality of the human experience and the ways in which music can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers to create a shared sense of emotion.


Line by Line Meaning

What care I who makes the laws of a nation?
It doesn't matter to me who creates the laws of a country.


Let those who will take care of it's right and wrongs
Other people can worry about what is right and wrong in society.


What care I who cares for the world's affairs?
I don't concern myself with global affairs.


As long as I can sing it's popular songs
I am happy as long as I can sing popular songs.


Let me sing a funny song with crazy words that roll along
I want to sing a humorous song that has catchy, silly words.


And if my song can start you laughing, I'm happy, happy
If my song can make you laugh, then I will be overjoyed.


Let me sing a sad refrain of broken hearts who loved in vain
I would like to sing a melancholy song about those who loved in vain and now have broken hearts.


And if my song can start you crying, I'm happy
If my song has the power to make you cry, it will bring me great happiness.


Let me croon a low-down blues that lifts you out of your seat
I want to sing a soulful blues tune that will move you to tap your feet and dance.


If my blues can reach your shoes and start you tapping your feet, I'm happy
If my blues music can get you moving and enjoying the rhythm, then I will be thrilled.


Let me sing of Dixie's charms, of cotton fields and Mammy's arms
I'd like to sing about the appeal of the southern United States, including cotton fields and maternal figures called 'Mammy.'


And if my song can make you homesick, I'm happy
If my song can evoke pleasant memories of the past and make you feel nostalgic for home, I will be content.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@l.russellbrown9732

@sunryse111 After we wrote
TIE A YELLOW RIBBON ROUND THE OLE OAK TREE
We were trying to write a follow up
Levine asked me if I ever heard of Jolson
I picked up my guitar and sang him several Jolson tunes
He than asked
Want to write a song like that
2 nights later we wrote
SAY HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY SWEET GYPSY ROSE



All comments from YouTube:

@dianeshears4858

I grew up listening to Al Jolson, my dad had all of his albums, and this was my favourite song. He had so much soul! Thank you for adding the lyrics.

@sunryse111

My pleasure, Diane. Sing along and think about your Dad.

@dianeshears4858

@sunryse111 Don't laugh, but I did do that and ended up blubbering like a baby! Jolson had the gift of knowing how to press those buttons. I will be sharing this one!

@sunryse111

@Diane Shears I can cry with the best of 'em, Diane. Music has its own way of bringing the memories flooding back.

@tracy3364

Reminds me of my dad he used to impersonate al jolsen in the 70s he was so good and we are playing my dads version at his funeral next week. Good memories but also sad 😥

@sunryse111

Missed your comment, Tracy. Sorry to hear about your loss. Be safe.

@tracy3364

Aaah bless you thank you 😊

@anythingoldmechanical

My favourite Jolson Track.
Thanks for a great share.

@sunryse111

My pleasure, Gary. Enjoy your day.

@annehayden3621

Mine too 👍

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