He was born in Hamburg, Germany, and studied at the School of Music there. A multi-instrumentalist, he was hired by Hans Busch to play with his orchestra before serving as a bandsman in the German Navy during World War II. He later formed his own big band, toured with them, then worked as an arranger and producer, making hit records with Freddy Quinn and Ivo Robic. In 1961, he hired The Beatles to back Tony Sheridan on "My Bonnie (Lies Over the Ocean)," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Ain't She Sweet" and "Cry for a Shadow," in a session for Polydor. These turned out to be the Beatles' first commercial recordings. When Beatles manager Brian Epstein asked Kaempfert about further promoting The Beatles, Kaempfert informed Epstein that the company was only interested in The Beatles as Tony Sheridan's backup group. (It also turned out British Decca executive Dick Rowe turned them down in favor of local beat combo Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.) He then released The Beatles from their contract with Polydor.
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Bert Kaempfert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I had nothing but shadows
Then one morning you passed
And I brightened at last
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With the sun in my heart
All my worry blew away
When you taught me how to say
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 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 street
On the Sunny Side of the Street by Bert Kaempfert is a joyous tune celebrating finding love and happiness in life. The opening lyrics set the tone of the song, describing a lonely and shadowy existence before the arrival of the singer's love interest. The singer's life brightens up as soon as she appears, and the sun finds a permanent home in their heart. The chorus marks a significant shift in the narrative structure as the singer urges the listener to ditch their worries and bask in the sunshine.
The lyrics motivate the listener to embrace positivity and enjoy life, no matter their financial or social status. Bert Kaempfert writes that even if he is penniless, he feels rich enough with his love's presence in his life. He metaphorically describes the streets as sunny, implying that life can be beautiful if one focuses on positive things.
In conclusion, On the Sunny Side of the Street is a timeless classic inspiring people to look for the bright side of life. The song's message is relevant even today, where people are struggling with unprecedented stresses due to the pandemic.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I was alone and had nobody to talk to.
And I had nothing but shadows
There was no light in my life, only darkness and despair.
Then one morning you passed
You came into my life unexpectedly.
And I brightened at last
Your presence brought light and happiness into my life.
Now I greet the day and complete the day
I begin and end each day with joy and contentment.
With the sun in my heart
I feel warm and happy inside because of you.
All my worry blew away
You helped me let go of my worries and fears.
When you taught me how to say
You showed me a way to live a happier life.
Grab your coat and get your hat
Get ready to go out and enjoy the day.
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Forget about your problems and enjoy the present moment.
Just direct your feet
Take a step in the right direction.
To the sunny side of the street
Where life is more cheerful and positive.
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Listen to the beat of your heart, it's full of joy.
And that happy tune is your step
Every step you take feels light and joyful.
Life can be so sweet
Life can be full of happiness and joy.
On the sunny side of the street
When you focus on the positive, life is brighter and happier.
I used to walk in the shade
I used to be in the dark, negative aspects of life.
With those blues on parade
I used to feel sad and overwhelmed.
But I'm not afraid
I'm not scared anymore.
This Rover crossed over
I've moved to the better things in life.
If I never have a cent
Even if I don't have any money.
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I would feel as wealthy as a millionaire anyway.
Gold dust at my feet
I am surrounded by abundant blessings.
On the sunny side of the street
Life is bright and cheerful when you focus on the positive.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Shapiro Bernstein & Co Inc, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind