… Read Full Bio ↴Blossom Dearie (1924-2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist.
Born on 28th April 1924 in East Durham, New York, of mixed Scottish and Norwegian ancestry, Dearie began her career in vocal groups in New York. In the early 1950s she moved to Paris, forming her own vocal group, The Blue Stars, later to become the Swingle Singers.
After signing to Verve, Dearie returned to the U.S. where, despite developing a successful career and achieving international fame, by 1974 the lack of interest from major labels led her to start her own label, Daffodil Records. She continued performing into her eighties.
Blossom Dearie died on 7th February 2009, at her apartment in Greenwich Village, New York City
Put On a Happy Face
Blossom Dearie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It's not your style;
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Ya' decide to smile!
Stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that "full of doubt" look,
Slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Just put on a happy face!
Put on a happy face
Put on a happy face
And if you're feeling cross and bitterish
Don't sit and whine
Think of banana split and licorice
And you'll feel fine
I knew a girl so glooming
She'd never laugh or sing
She wouldn't listen to me
Now she's a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face
So, put on a happy face
Blossom Dearie's "Put On a Happy Face" is a classic example of a happy-go-lucky tune that seeks to spread cheer and positivity. The opening lines of the song, "Gray skies are gonna clear up/Put on a happy face" convey the idea that no matter what happens, there is always a silver lining, and one should remain optimistic. The singer urges the listener to brush off any negative thoughts and don a happier, more positive outlook. The singer believes that one's disposition plays a vital role in how life unfolds, as evidenced by the line "Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy/It's not your style; You'll look so good that you'll be glad ya' decide to smile!"
Furthermore, the lyrics advise listeners to put on a brave face and not give in to despair or self-pity. The lines "Pick out a pleasant outlook/Stick out that noble chin; Wipe off that 'full of doubt' look/Slap on a happy grin!" urge the listener to project an air of confidence and positivity. The adage "fake it till you make it" might apply here, as the singer urges the listener to spread happiness wherever they go, regardless of their mood.
Overall, "Put On a Happy Face" is an upbeat, catchy tune that seeks to spread positivity and encourage listeners to remain optimistic no matter the circumstances. It's full of good-natured advice and ultimately seeks to uplift and motivate its audience.
Line by Line Meaning
Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Things will get better
Put on a happy face;
Be positive
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Get rid of negative thoughts and be happy
Put on a happy face.
Smile and be happy
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
Don't be sad
It's not your style;
Your personality is not sad
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
When you smile, you'll feel better
Ya' decide to smile!
Choose to be happy
Pick out a pleasant outlook,
Think positively
Stick out that noble chin;
Be confident
Wipe off that "full of doubt" look,
Get rid of the uncertain expression
Slap on a happy grin!
Put on a cheerful smile
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Bring happiness to others
Just put on a happy face!
Smile and be happy
And if you're feeling cross and bitterish
If you're angry or resentful
Don't sit and whine
Don't complain
Think of banana split and licorice
Think of things that make you happy
And you'll feel fine
You'll feel better
I knew a girl so glooming
I once knew a very sad girl
She'd never laugh or sing
She was always unhappy
She wouldn't listen to me
She didn't want to be happy
Now she's a mean old thing
Now she's bitter and unpleasant
So spread sunshine all over the place
Make others happy
Just put on a happy face
Smile and be happy
So, put on a happy face
Be happy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Strouse, Lee Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mzfiesty
Woah! Where did I hear this before! I thought I just discovered her this week... but I remember hearing this song in a movie or something. I love her sweet voice.
@BKuchau
Love her. Marvelous in hi fi stereo. :) What a voice and excellent pianist.
@nordog55
I saw her live at Ronnie Scotts OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!! RIP Blossom
@johncena1841
nice voice:))
@strabi20
the first time i heard this song was in 2001....i fell in love...thank you