Kelly was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style, his good looks and the likeable characters that he played on screen.
Although he is known today for his performances in An American in Paris (1951) and Singin' in the Rain (1952), he was a dominant force in Hollywood musical films from the mid-1940s until this art form fell out of fashion in the late 1950s. His many innovations transformed the Hollywood musical film, and he is credited with almost single-handedly making the ballet form commercially acceptable to film audiences.
Kelly was the recipient of an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his career achievements. He later received lifetime achievement awards in the Kennedy Center Honors (1982), and from the Screen Actors Guild and American Film Institute; in 1999, the American Film Institute also numbered him 15th in their Greatest Male Stars of All Time list.
Better known as a dancer and movie star than a singer, Gene Kelly nevertheless turned in memorable vocal performances in the context of his movies, the MGM musicals of the 1940s and 1950s.
Kelly rose to fame on Broadway before making his Hollywood debut with "For Me and My Gal" in 1942. Kelly's light, high vocals are distinctive, and he acted even as he sang, sometimes letting his voice crack at a pivotal moment (as in his vocal for the title number in "Singin' in the Rain"). In addition to reinterpreting classics by the likes of George Gershwin, Kelly introduced a few standards, including "Be a Clown" from the film "The Pirate" and "Long Ago and Far Away" from "Cover Girl." He also performed duets with such luminaries as Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.
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Gene Kelly Lyrics
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What a glorious feeling I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds so dark above
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place
Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
And singin' just singin' in the rain
Why am I smilin' and why do I sing?
Why does December seem sunny as Spring?
Why do I get up each morning to start happy
And get up with joy in my heart?
Why is each new task a trifle to do?
Because I am living a life full of you
I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain
What a glorious feeling I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds so dark above
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place
Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
And singin' just singin' in the rain
The lyrics to "Singing in the Rain" are all about feeling happy and joyful despite the stormy weather outside. The song is full of imagery related to rain and weather, but it's ultimately a cheerful and optimistic song about enjoying life and feeling good. The first verse sets the scene, with the singer saying that they're singing and feeling happy in the rain. They laugh at the dark clouds above and feel the sun in their heart, ready for love.
The second verse is a bit more sentimental, with the singer musing on why they feel so happy and full of joy. They say that each new task is easy because they're living a life full of someone they love, and that's why they're singing in the rain. The chorus repeats the first verse, with the singer exclaiming that they're singing and feeling happy again, even in the midst of a storm.
Overall, "Singing in the Rain" is a classic song that celebrates happiness and joy, even when things aren't perfect around us. It's a song about finding beauty and positivity in the world and letting that shape our attitude and perspective.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain
Despite any adversity, I choose to sing and be joyful
What a glorious feeling I'm happy again
This sensation of pure happiness is indescribable and overwhelming
I'm laughing at clouds so dark above
My positivity allows me to see the good in every situation, even when there seems to be none
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
I am radiating warmth and happiness and am open to receiving love
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place
I welcome any challenge or obstacle that comes my way
Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
Even if things get worse, I choose to remain optimistic and joyful
I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
I will continue to spread positivity even in mundane tasks like walking down the street
And singin' just singin' in the rain
My singing in the rain is a symbol of my ultimate happiness and positivity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Arthur Freed, Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind