I Want To Be Happy
Harry James Orchestra Lyrics
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Trying to work out life's happy plan
Doing unto others as I'd like to have them doing unto me
When I find a very lonely soul
Soon be-kinda-comes my only goal
I feel so much better when I tell them my philosophy
But I won't be happy
Till I make you happy too.
Life's really worth living
When we are mirth giving
Why can't I give some to you
When skies are gray and you say you are blue
I'll send the sun smiling through
I want to be happy
But I won't be happy
Till I make you happy too.
When skies are gray and you say you are blue
I'll send the sun smiling through
I want to be happy
But I won't be happy
Till I make you happy too.
The lyrics of Harry James & His Orchestra's song, "I Want to Be Happy," speak of one's desire to find their purpose in life and make a positive impact on others. The singer portrays himself as an ordinary man who is trying to figure out the secret to happiness. He believes that by treating others with kindness and respect, he can make a positive impact on their lives and in turn, find happiness for himself.
The song highlights the need for human connection and empathy for others. The singer believes that when he helps a lonely person, he is fulfilling his only goal in life. He feels better when he can share his philosophy with others and make their day better. The lyrics underscore the role of compassion and kindness in our lives to generate happiness.
The repeated lines of the song, "I want to be happy, but I won't be happy till I make you happy too," encapsulate the singer's ultimate desire to spread joy and happiness to those around him. The lyrics make it clear that happiness is not a selfish pursuit and that true happiness lies in making others happy as well.
* "I Want to Be Happy" was composed by Vincent Youmans, with lyrics by Irving Caesar and Otto Harbach. It was first introduced in the 1925 musical "No, No, Nanette."
* The song reached number one on the US charts in 1926 and remained popular throughout the following years.
* The song has been covered by various artists, including Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.
* The score of "No, No, Nanette" for which the song was originally composed, featured notable performers such as Louise Groody and Charles "Buddy" Rogers.
* The song was also featured in the film "Tea for Two" (1950), starring Doris Day and Gordon MacRae.
* The song's popularity was revived in the 1970s when it was featured in the musical "No, No, Nanette" on Broadway.
* In 2004, the song was featured in a commercial for a video game.
* A version of the song was recorded by the 1980s punk rock band, Dead Kennedys.
* The song has been used as a sample in various songs since its release, including "Be Happy" by The Notorious B.I.G.
* The song has been praised for its optimistic and energetic tone, contributing to its longstanding popularity.
Chords (Key of C):
Verse: C, A7, Dm, G7, C, A7, Dm, G7
Chorus: C, E7, A7, Dm, G7, C, E7, A7, Dm, G7, C.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a very ordinary man
I am just an average person
Trying to work out life's happy plan
Attempting to figure out how to be content in life
Doing unto others as I'd like to have them doing unto me
Treating people the way I would want to be treated
When I find a very lonely soul
If I come across someone who is very alone
Soon be-kinda-comes my only goal
It quickly becomes my main objective
I feel so much better when I tell them my philosophy
I feel much better after sharing my beliefs with them
I want to be happy
I desire contentment
But I won't be happy
However, I cannot be content
Till I make you happy too.
Unless I also can make you happy.
Life's really worth living
Life is valuable
When we are mirth giving
When we are spreading joy
Why can't I give some to you
Why can't I bring happiness to you
When skies are gray and you say you are blue
When you are feeling sad and unhappy
I'll send the sun smiling through
I'll try to lift your spirits
I want to be happy
I desire contentment
But I won't be happy
However, I cannot be content
Till I make you happy too.
Unless I also can make you happy.
When skies are gray and you say you are blue
When you are feeling sad and unhappy
I'll send the sun smiling through
I'll try to lift your spirits
I want to be happy
I desire contentment
But I won't be happy
However, I cannot be content
Till I make you happy too.
Unless I also can make you happy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Caesar, Vincent Youmans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind