Newley had a successful pop music career, with two number one hits in 1960: "Why?" and "Do You Mind?". He won the 1963 Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "What Kind of Fool Am I", but he was also well-known for "Gonna Build a Mountain" and comic novelty songs such as his version of "Strawberry Fair". He wrote songs that others made hits including Goldfinger (the title song of the James Bond movie), and Feeling Good, which became a hit for Nina Simone. With Leslie Bricusse, he wrote the musical Stop the World - I Want to Get Off in which he also performed, earning a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. His other musicals included The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd (1965) and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), based on the children's book by Roald Dahl. The play was released in a film version in 1971.
Newley's vocal style has been recognised as a major influence on that of David Bowie. In recognition of his creative skills and body of work, Newley was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.
The shortlived 1960 ATV series "The Strange World of Gurney Slade" in which Newley starred, continues to have a cult following due to its postmodern premise that the Newley character is trapped inside a television programme. Apart from a repeat of one episode on Channel 4 in 1992, it has not been seen in the UK in recent years. The show's theme tune by Max Harris may be better-known today than the series itself.
His last feature role in the cast of EastEnders was to be a regular role, but Newley had to withdraw after a few months when his health began to fail.
Feeling Good
Anthony Newley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze drifting on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn it's a new day it's a new life for me
And I'm feeling good
Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on a tree
That's what l mean
It's a new dawn it's a new day it's a new life for me
And l'm feeling good
Dragonfly out in the sun
You know what I mean don't you know
Butterflies all having fun
You know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world Is a new world and a bold world for me
For me for me for me ohohoh for me
Anthony Newley guitar solo
l'm feeling good
l'm feeling good
l'm feeling good you know
See l'm feeling good yo yo
l'm feeling good
l'm feeling good yeeee
l'm feeling good yo
Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know what I mean
Oh freedom freedom is mine
And you know how I feel
It's a new dawn it's a new day it's a new life
For me baribo
O dididi barere duba ye
Ah oh dedede duba ah
Oooooooooh
l'm feel eeeee l l l'm feeling eee uhhh
l'm feeling feeling feeling feeling
Feeling feeling feeling feeling uhhh
l'm feeling good yo yo eh yo eh yo
l'm feeling good yo
Skyrubadu subare subarube
Sirsubarobe skybode skybarube
Paburiii subadudure l'm feeling good yo
Subarube subarupe subarube yo
l'm feeling good yo
l'm feeling good yo
l'm feeling good yo yo
I'm good yo yo
I'm good yo yo you know
Yes I'm feeling good
I'm feeling good yo yo
I'm good yo yo
I'm good yo yo
You know I'm feeling good yo yo
The lyrics to Anthony Newley's song "Feeling Good" express a sense of joy and optimism in experiencing the beauty and freedom of the world. The song is filled with vivid imagery that highlights the simple pleasures in life. Starting with birds flying high and the sun in the sky, it sets the tone for a positive and uplifting mood. The mention of a breeze drifting by further enhances the feeling of tranquility and contentment.
As the song progresses, it introduces other elements of nature, like fish in the sea and a river running free. These images continue to evoke a sense of freedom and connection with the natural world. The lyrics also mention the blossoming of a tree, symbolizing growth and new beginnings.
The verses that follow reference dragonflies, butterflies, and the peacefulness of sleep at the end of the day. These elements emphasize the beauty, playfulness, and serenity found in nature. The repetition of the phrase "that's what I mean" adds emphasis to the positive feelings being described.
The chorus, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, and I'm feeling good," serves as a mantra for embracing new opportunities and a fresh start. It reflects the singer's optimistic outlook and the positive emotions they are experiencing.
Line by Line Meaning
Birds flying high
The freedom and joy symbolized by birds soaring through the sky
You know how I feel
You understand the deep emotions and positive state of mind I have
Sun in the sky
The warmth and brightness of the sun representing positivity and a new beginning
Breeze drifting on by
The gentle wind passing through, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility
It's a new dawn it's a new day it's a new life for me
Expressing the fresh start and optimistic outlook on life
And I'm feeling good
Experiencing a genuine sense of happiness and contentment
Fish in the sea
The abundance and freedom of choices available
River running free
The flow of life, unrestricted and full of possibilities
Blossom on a tree
The beauty and growth found in nature, mirroring personal development
That's what I mean
This is the essence of my message
Dragonfly out in the sun
The beauty and grace of nature, highlighting the small pleasures in life
You know what I mean don't you know
You understand and can relate to the sentiment I'm expressing
Butterflies all having fun
The joy and delight found in simple pleasures and carefree moments
Sleep in peace when day is done
Finding inner calm and tranquility at the end of a fulfilling day
And this old world Is a new world and a bold world for me
Perceiving the world with a fresh perspective and embracing new possibilities
For me for me for me ohohoh for me
Emphasizing the personal nature of the positive feelings experienced
Stars when you shine
The beauty and wonder of the night sky, symbolizing inspiration and wonder
Scent of the pine
The refreshing fragrance of nature, evoking a sense of peace and serenity
Oh freedom freedom is mine
Celebrating the liberation and autonomy felt in one's own life
It's a new dawn it's a new day it's a new life
Reiterating the sense of renewal and opportunity that each day brings
For me baribo
This is a personal affirmation and expression of joy
O dididi barere duba ye
Vocalization of the overwhelming happiness and fulfillment
Ah oh dedede duba ah
Further vocalizations of joy and satisfaction
Oooooooooh
An extended expression of delight and enthusiasm
l'm feel eeeee l l l'm feeling eee uhhh
Conveying the intense and indescribable emotions being felt
I'm good yo yo
Affirming the positive state of mind and well-being
You know I'm feeling good yo yo
The acknowledgment that others can perceive the happiness and positivity
Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cards0486
How I love to hear Anthony Newley sing the wonderful songs he had written. No one does a better job on "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and "Who Can I Turn To?" better than he did.
@tenaboodavis8561
He wrote it 👋👋 to him. Nina made it pop! Good Job to both of them.
@g9o9d9d9e9r9s
Wonder how many people came here thinking it was a cover of The Nina Simone song, not realising it’s the other way round
@Stellamarie123
I love going down the rabbit hole on a journey after the origins of a song and find a gem like this! Wow! I just always thought this amazing song was attributed to Nina Simone, although I love her version, but how could I have missed this?
@kitroser1
What happened to me is that I heard this for the first time, watching Britain´s got Talent for a series of contestants, that always said: From Nina Simone...So I looked beyond and it was Antony Newly. I am from S. América, and I never have seen but musicals from Broadway, made musicals for movies. I never found a musical (movie) with any of his songs, but is a great song.
@Juliaflo
Well, raise my blood pressure--I did not know this song was from 'The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd'. At my age, I learn something new every day.
@davidjanovski5414
Till now I thought this was Nina's song..
This is nice indeed!
@MyAction5000
Anthony's voice has always fascinated me... he tends to go a bit cockney sometimes when he sings, but he never talks like that. This is, by far, the definitive version of this song!!
@CrazYMadarfakaR
this is the original song and i like it better than the others... i'm a fan of originals :))
@meridian2002
Thanks for posting this, I've never heard Newley sing this one. Cool that it has had such a long life, it may be Newley's biggest hit -- certainly it's the only one known by younger people.