McShann was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and began working as a professional musician in 1931, performing around Tulsa, Oklahoma and neighboring Arkansas. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1936, and set up his own big band, which featured Charlie Parker (from 1937 to 1942), Bernard Anderson, Ben Webster and Walter Brown. Although its book included both swing and blues numbers, the band played blues on most of its records; its most popular recording was "Confessin' the Blues." The group disbanded when McShann was drafted into the Army in 1944, and he was unable to successfully restart it when he got out.
After the war McShann began to lead small groups featuring blues shouter Jimmy Witherspoon. Witherspoon started recording with McShann in 1945, and fronting McShann's band, had a hit in 1949 with "Ain't Nobody's Business." McShann then played in obscurity until 1969, when he became popular as a singer as well as a pianist, often performing with Claude Williams. He continued recording and touring through the 1990s. Well into his 80s McShann still performed occasionally, particularly in the Kansas City area and Toronto Ontario.
Crime-fiction writer Elmore Leonard featured McShann as a character in his 2005 novel, The Hot Kid.
On December 7, 2006, McShann died at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.
Sunny Side of the Street
Jay McShann Lyrics
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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
In Jay McShann's song "On the Sunny Side of the Street," the singer describes his life before he met someone who changed everything for him. He walked and talked with no one, feeling only the weight of his own shadows. However, one morning, he saw the person who would become his companion, and suddenly, he felt a lightness in his heart. From that day forward, he learned to greet each day with joy and to let go of his worries. The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics encourage listeners to embrace happiness and positivity, even in the face of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I lived a lonely life, never interacting with anyone.
And I had nothing but shadows
I was surrounded by darkness and sadness.
Then one morning you passed
One day, you came into my life.
And I brightened at last
You brought light and happiness into my life.
Now I greet the day and complete the day
Thanks to you, I start and end each day with joy.
With the sun in my heart
I carry your love and warmth with me always.
All my worry blew away
My anxieties disappeared because of you.
When you taught me how to say
You showed me the way to happiness.
Grab your coat and get your hat
Let's go out and enjoy the day.
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Leave your troubles behind and live in the moment.
Just direct your feet
Let's head towards happiness and positivity.
To the sunny side of the street
Let's go where the good vibes are and enjoy life.
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Can't you feel your heart beating with joy?
And that happy tune is your step
Your happiness is reflected in your every stride.
Life can be so sweet
Life can be beautiful and full of happiness.
On the sunny side of the street
When we focus on the positive, we can live on the bright side of life.
I used to walk in the shade
I used to live in the darkness of sadness.
With those blues on parade
I was surrounded by negativity and sadness.
But I'm not afraid
Thanks to you, I have the courage to face anything.
This Rover crossed over
I left behind my old self and embraced positivity.
If I never have a cent
Even if I don't have wealth, I am still rich in happiness.
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I am as wealthy as the richest person in the world when it comes to joy.
Gold dust at my feet
Every step I take is filled with happiness and richness.
On the sunny side of the street
I am living on the bright side of life, enjoying all the positive things it has to offer.
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