After the war, he worked with Chester and on BBC Radio as an arranger and conductor. He also worked as musical director for both Henry Hall and Geraldo, and began recording under his own name in 1951 as "Frank Chacksfield's Tunesmiths". In early 1953 he had his first top ten hit, "Little Red Monkey", on the Parlophone label. This was a novelty recording featuring Jack Jordan on the clavioline, and reportedly the first record featuring an electronic instrument to feature on the UK pop chart.[citation needed] He signed a recording contract with Decca Records in 1953, and formed a 40-piece orchestra with a large string section, the "Singing Strings". His first record release for Decca, Charlie Chaplin's theme for his film Limelight, won him a gold disc in the US, and in the UK, where it reached #2 in the UK Singles Chart, and won him the NME award as 'Record of the Year'. It spent eight weeks at #2 (an all-time UK chart record), and in all thirteen weeks in the top five chart positions, without dislodging Frankie Laine's, "I Believe".[3] His next 78 single, "Ebb Tide", became the first British instrumental recording to reach #1 in some American charts,[which?] providing a second gold disc, and he was voted the most promising new orchestra of the year in the US.[1]
He became one of Britain's most well known orchestra leaders internationally, and is estimated to have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.[2] His material was "mood music", similar to that of Mantovani, including ballads, waltzes, and film themes.[4] In 1954 he began presenting a series on BBC TV, which continued occasionally until the early 1960s. Chacksfield was responsible for the musical arrangement of the first UK entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 1957; "All" by Patricia Bredin.[citation needed] He continued to write music, release singles and albums through the 1950s and 1960s, and appeared regularly on BBC radio.[2]
He continued to record occasionally until the 1990s, from the 1970s primarily on the Phase 4 label.[1] He also developed business interests in publishing and recorded for Starborne Productions, a company supplying "canned music" for use by easy listening radio stations and others. Many of these recordings were made commercially available in 2007. His last album was Thanks for the Memories (Academy Award Winners 1934-55), released in 1991.[1] Chacksfield died in Kent in 1995, after having suffered for several years from Parkinson's Disease.[2]
The main theme from his Latin-American style track "Cuban Boy" was used as the theme music for some broadcast versions of the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game.[5]
His song, "Après Ski", was featured in the 2006 video game, Saint's Row, for the Xbox 360.[6]
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Frank Chacksfield and His Orchestra 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
The lyrics of "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" by Frank Chacksfield and His Orchestra tell a story of transformation and newfound happiness. The song begins by describing a period of isolation and darkness, where the singer walks alone and has nothing but shadows. However, a turning point occurs when someone important enters their life. This person brings light and brightness, and suddenly, the singer is able to greet each day with joy and completeness.
The chorus encourages the listener to let go of worries and embrace a more positive outlook. It urges them to grab their coat, get their hat, and leave their worries behind at the doorstep. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, they are advised to direct their feet to the sunny side of the street. The pitter-pattering sound signifies the listener's newfound happiness and optimism in their step. Life, the lyrics suggest, can be sweet and enjoyable when viewed from a more positive perspective.
The next verse portrays the transformation in the singer's attitude. They used to walk in the shade and feel weighed down by the blues of life. But with the influence of the important person in their life, they have overcome their fears and ventured to the other side - the sunny side of the street. The lyrics convey a sense of liberation and fearlessness after crossing to a more positive mindset.
The final lines of the song suggest that material wealth is not necessary for happiness. Even if the singer has no money, they feel as rich as Rockefeller. The gold dust at their feet symbolizes the abundance they feel on the sunny side of the street. It's a metaphorical representation of a life filled with optimism, joy, and contentment.
Overall, "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" is a hopeful and uplifting song that encourages listeners to leave their worries behind and embrace a more positive outlook on life. It emphasizes the power of a change in perspective and the transformative effects it can have on one's overall well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I used to be alone and had no one to talk to
And I had nothing but shadows
My life felt empty and filled with darkness
Then one morning you passed
But then one morning I saw you
And I brightened at last
And my mood instantly improved
Now I greet the day and complete the day
Now I start the day positively and end it fulfilled
With the sun in my heart
Because you've filled my heart with joy
All my worry blew away
All my worries disappeared
When you taught me how to say
Because you taught me how to express
Grab your coat and get your hat
Put on your coat and hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Forget about your worries
Just direct your feet
Simply guide your steps
To the sunny side of the street
Towards the optimistic side of life
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Don't you hear the joyful sound of footsteps?
And that happy tune is your step
And your steps are accompanied by a cheerful melody
Life can be so sweet
Life can be incredibly enjoyable
On the sunny side of the street
When you have a positive outlook on life
I used to walk in the shade
I used to live in sadness and negativity
With those blues on parade
With my sorrows constantly on display
But I'm not afraid
But now I have no fear
This Rover crossed over
I have overcome my previous troubles
If I never have a cent
Even if I am completely penniless
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I would still feel as wealthy as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
Feeling like I have valuable treasures at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Because I have a positive mindset
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind