Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
That Lucky Old Sun
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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Out on the job
Work like the devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun got nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman, toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
But roll around Heaven all day
Dear Lord above, can't you know I'm pining, tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver lining, lift me to Paradise
Show me that river, take me across
Wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do but roll around Heaven all day
But roll around Heaven all day
Send down that cloud with a silver lining, lift me to Paradise
Show me that river, take me across
Wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do
But roll around Heaven all day
The lyrics to Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong's song “That Lucky Old Sun” are about an exhausted and overworked laborer who is lamenting his struggles unfulfilled life compared to the apparently effortless task of the sun rolling around in the sky all day. The singer begins by describing his daily routine of working hard to earn a living, but despite his efforts, he struggles to make ends meet. In contrast, the sun has no cares or worries and simply moves around the heavens without any responsibilities. The singer is tired and worn out and finds himself crying in desperation for a break from his struggles. He requests a silver lining or a way out, and the sun becomes the symbol of his life goal- to work less and be able to roll around heaven all day.
The singer is not just longing for physical rest but a kind of spiritual relief or salvation. He wants to be taken to paradise by a silver cloud and be freed from all his troubles. He longs for a river that will wash away all his worries and give him nothing more to do like the lucky sun. The song captures a sense of hopelessness and desperation that is felt when one feels trapped in their daily routine and unable to break free. It resonates with people who are struggling with the everyday grind of life and long for a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
Up in the mornin'
Starting the day early
Out on the job
Going to work
Work like the devil for my pay
Working hard for the money
But that lucky old sun got nothin' to do
The sun's lack of responsibilities
But roll around heaven all day
Spending the day leisurely in heaven
Fuss with my woman, toil for my kids
Dealing with family and parental responsibilities
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
Working hard to the point of exhaustion
Dear Lord above, can't you know I'm pining, tears all in my eyes
Asking for help and showing distress
Send down that cloud with a silver lining, lift me to Paradise
Asking for a reason to be grateful
Show me that river, take me across
Asking for guidance to a better place
Wash all my troubles away
Ease my worries and struggles
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do
Aspiring for a leisurely life
But roll around heaven all day
Enjoying a carefree existence
Send down that cloud with a silver lining, lift me to Paradise
Repeating the request for gratitude
Show me that river, take me across
Repeating the request for guidance
Wash all my troubles away
Repeating the wish to be relieved of struggles
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do
Repeating the longing for a carefree life
But roll around Heaven all day
Repeating the desire for a leisurely existence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Beasley Smith, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mystii
He was the best trumpet player, and blues singer I've heard. May he rest in peace! 😭
HelenaVanCity
"Born poor, died rich, and never hurt anyone along the way." Don't remember who said it, but darn well said! I love you, Louis!!!!!
Josh .Mizruchi
Duke Ellington said that if I recall correctly.
Debra Taylor
I got a red persoan cat years AGO and named him Satchmo. He is now with his namesake. O how I luved my beautiful cat and Louis. Btw. I took really good care of my Satchmo. He lived til almost 19
Dave Marowitz
@Josh .Mizruchi Yes, it was Duke Ellington who said that.
jwmc41
Yes and worked hard all his life with humility and dignity.
HelenaVanCity
@jwmc41 Absolutely!
tafi mutekwe
Louis Armstrong's version of this timeless classic is up there with the very best versions performed.
tubeboob
i know it, incredible
lindsey607
No doubt about that Boss.