Happy Feet
Frank Trumbauer and His Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Happy feet! I've got those happy feet!
Give them a low-down beat
And they begin dancing
I've got those ten little tapping toes
And when they hear a tune
I can't control the dancing, dear
To save my soul
Weary blues can't get into my shoes
Because my shoes refuse
To ever grow weary
I keep cheerful on an earful




Of music sweet
'Cause I've got those hap-happy, ba-da-da-dah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Frank Trumbauer and His Orchestra's song "Happy Feet" depict a joyous and energetic state of being. The opening line, "Happy feet! I've got those happy feet!", emphasizes the singer's elation and contentment. These feet are described as needing a "low-down beat" to get them dancing, suggesting that rhythm and music are essential for the singer's happiness.


The next line, "And they begin dancing," portrays the immediate response of the singer's feet to the music. The act of dancing becomes an instinctive and irresistible urge for the singer, as they claim to be unable to "control the dancing" when a tune is played. This showcases the deep connection the singer feels with music, to the point where their very soul is enthralled by it.


The following lines, "Weary blues can't get into my shoes, Because my shoes refuse, To ever grow weary," introduce a contrasting sentiment. Despite the presence of melancholy or sadness in the form of "weary blues," the singer's shoes possess a rebellious resistance. The shoes symbolically refuse to let weariness or negativity affect them, implying that the singer's unwavering joy is immune to any sadness or hardships they might encounter.


To further emphasize their resilience, the singer reveals that they stay "cheerful on an earful of music sweet." This line suggests that the singer finds solace and comfort in the sounds of pleasant music. The phrase "earful of music sweet" implies that the singer absorbs and immerses themselves in uplifting melodies, which help to maintain their happiness.


Lastly, the catchy and repetitive refrain of "hap-happy, ba-da-da-dah" serves as a manifestation of the singer's contagious enthusiasm. The linguistic playfulness and musicality of this refrain further reflect the song's overall theme of joyful exuberance, making it a catchy and memorable tune.


Overall, the lyrics to Frank Trumbauer and His Orchestra's "Happy Feet" depict a person who finds immense bliss and comfort in music. Their infectious happiness, shown through their dancing feet and refusal to let weariness get to them, demonstrates the power of music to uplift the human spirit and provide an escape from the trials of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Happy feet!
I am filled with joy and excitement!


I've got those happy feet!
My feet are filled with happiness and energy!


Give them a low-down beat
Play a rhythmic and soulful tune for my feet to dance to


And they begin dancing
My feet start moving and grooving


I've got those ten little tapping toes
Each of my ten toes have a rhythmic and lively spirit


And when they hear a tune
Once they hear the music


I can't control the dancing, dear
I am unable to resist the urge to dance


To save my soul
It feels like dancing is necessary for my very existence


Weary blues can't get into my shoes
I refuse to let sadness and weariness affect me


Because my shoes refuse
My shoes resist any negative feelings


To ever grow weary
They will never tire or become fatigued


I keep cheerful on an earful
I stay happy and joyful by filling my ears with


Of music sweet
pleasant and melodic music


'Cause I've got those hap-happy, ba-da-da-dah
Because I possess that delightful, joyous feeling




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Milton Ager, Jack Yellen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

1920sfan

Excellent version.

240252

Hello Elisabetb, I totally second your fascination with Trumbauer! I love his enormous C-sax, his handsome thinking face, and all his delicate and refined arrangements! What a talented white skin/Cherokee combination he was! He was such a seriuos devoted musician, and nothing of the drug/alcohol/sex madness of his generation, in him.

Trombonology Erstwhile

Yet another of my favorite sides! Too, Frank Trumbauer is one of my favorite musicians -- I love his work from every part of his career. I only wish he had been more active during the '40's, but much of his time was spent away from music, after he disbanded his big band in 1940: he became a flight instructor, as you may have read, as his part in the War effort. ...Your final shot is absolutely priceless.

Jadwiga Baniukiewicz-Brazdiliene

Świetna jest CAŁOŚĆ super! Dziękuję:) serdecznie pozdrawiam.

Bob Robertson

To my mind, the best version ever!

phredl

Bob I agree 100%. the best! I've had this for over 20 years and no other one comes close.

bill3murr

love this version.....got my happy toes a tappin'. great pics. thanks for sharing.

BoxLid

Awesome tune here.  This was in Aviator, awesome scene where a huge brawl breaks out shortly after lol.

240252

I recommend to you another version in my channel where Leo Reisman plays "Happy Feet" much slower but - what a sophisticated arrangement!

Jill Tierney

The very best, indeed!!

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