His GRP debut album Freedom at Midnight was his biggest seller and most popular album. Benoit also says that it was his favorite album to produce, because it was when "everything came together," as he stated in an interview on smoothviews.com.
Out of respect for one of his main influencers, Bill Evans, he dedicated his 1992 album Letter to Evan to him.
Many of his songs employed a string section, most notably on his American Landscape and Orchestral Stories albums in 1997 and 2005, respectively. He has said that it is his dream to release a symphonic album.
In 2000, after the death of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, he released a memorial album entitled Here's to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years! Collaborators included the chorus group Take 6, guitarist Mark Antoine and trumpeter Chris Botti. He also did the music for "Peanuts" in the later specials.
He is a close friend of The Rippingtons' guitarist and lead Russ Freeman, and they often appeared on each other's albums. They also released collaborative efforts The Benoit/Freeman Project and The Benoit / Freeman Project 2.
happiness
David Benoit Lyrics
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Finding your skate key, telling the time
And happiness is learning to whistle
Tying your shoe for the very first time
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand
And happiness is five different crayons
Knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Happiness is finding a nickel
Catching a firefly, setting it free
And happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you
And happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That is loved by you
David Benoit's song "Happiness" is a cheerful and upbeat tune that extols the joys of simple things in life that bring happiness. The lyrics evoke memories of childhood and the little moments that brought unadulterated happiness. As the lyrics suggest, happiness can be found in the most mundane and everyday things. For example, happiness is discovering two different flavors of ice cream, finding a lost skate key, or being able to tell time for the first time. It can also be found in learning a new skill, such as whistling or tying your shoes, as well as in the success of being able to play an instrument in a school band. The song suggests that happiness can be found in being close to someone you love, having a secret to keep, or simply the pleasure of climbing a tree as a child.
The song also suggests that happiness is not limited to being surrounded by people or things, but that it can also be found in solitude. Sometimes, it's the little things like finding a nickel on the street or catching a firefly that bring people happiness. However, the most significant message of the song is that happiness is something that comes from within, and it can be found in the smallest details of life.
Overall, "Happiness" is a song that encourages listeners to take a moment to appreciate the small things in life that make them happy. The simple pleasures that bring a smile on one's face are important and worth cherishing. The song reminds people that happiness does not have to be dependent on external factors but can be found in the people and things that we love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Happiness is experiencing simple pleasures, such as the joy of having two flavors of ice cream.
Finding your skate key, telling the time
Finding your skate key and telling the time may seem like mundane tasks, but they can bring happiness in the sense of accomplishment.
And happiness is learning to whistle
Happiness can also come from learning a new skill or task, such as whistling for the first time.
Tying your shoe for the very first time
Tying your shoe for the first time is a small act that can bring happiness through a sense of independence and achievement.
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
Participating in a school band and playing the drum can bring happiness through creative expression and a sense of belonging.
And happiness is walking hand in hand
Physical touch and connection, like walking hand in hand, can bring happiness through a sense of love and companionship.
And happiness is five different crayons
Happiness can come from simple things, such as having access to five different colors of crayons.
Knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Achieving a goal, such as climbing a tree, can bring happiness. Also, knowing a secret and feeling trusted and included can bring joy.
Happiness is finding a nickel
Finding something valuable, such as a nickel, can bring happiness and a sense of good fortune.
Catching a firefly, setting it free
Connecting with nature, like catching and setting free a firefly, can bring happiness through a sense of wonder and respect for the world around us.
And happiness is being alone every now and then
Being alone for some time can bring happiness through introspection and self-discovery.
And happiness is coming home again
Returning home after being away can bring happiness through a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Happiness is singing together when day is through
Singing together as a group can bring happiness through the feelings of connection and shared enjoyment.
And happiness is those who sing with you
Sharing joys and experiences with others who care about you can bring happiness through a sense of community and mutual support.
And happiness is morning and evening
Being able to enjoy each moment of the day, from morning to evening, can bring happiness through a sense of gratitude for the passing of time.
Daytime and nighttime too
The various times of day, including daytime and nighttime, can bring happiness through the beauty of nature and the different experiences they offer.
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
Happiness can come from anyone or anything, regardless of what they are or who they are, as long as they are loved by you.
That is loved by you
The key to happiness is love and affection, towards both people and things.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEX CALLIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind