AC-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
Peggy Lee Lyrics


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Gather 'round me, everybody
Gather 'round me, while I preach some
Feel a sermon coming on here
The topic will be sin
And that's what I'm agin'
If you wanna hear my story
Then settle back and just sit tight
While I start reviewing
The attitude of doing right

You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-between
You got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
And have faith, or pandemonium
Liable to walk upon the scene

To illustrate my last remark
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they do, just when everything looked so dark?

Man, they said, we better ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-between
No, don't mess with Mr. In-between
You got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
And have faith or pandemonium
Liable to walk upon the scene

You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive




E-lim-i-nate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-between
No, don't mess with Mr. In-between

Overall Meaning

The song "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive," written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer and performed by Peggy Lee, is a timeless classic that offers timeless advice. The song begins with the singer preparing to preach a sermon about sin, stating that they are against it. However, instead of hammering on the negative aspects of life, the singer suggests focusing on the positive. The main message of the song is to eliminate negativity and focus on the good things in life.


The chorus of the song emphasizes this point with the repeated refrain, "You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive, e-lim-i-nate the negative, and latch on to the affirmative." The lyrics further suggest that spreading joy and having faith can prevent pandemonium from taking over.


The song cites biblical examples to further illustrate its point. The story of Jonah in the whale and Noah in the ark are used to exemplify the power of positive thinking during difficult times. The song encourages listeners to follow in the footsteps of these biblical characters and eliminate negativity by focusing on the positive.


Overall, "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive" is a song that promotes a positive outlook on life by eliminating negativity and embracing joy and faith.


Line by Line Meaning

Gather 'round me, everybody
Come together and listen to what I have to say


Gather 'round me, while I preach some
Listen to my sermon


Feel a sermon coming on here
I sense that I have something important to share with you all


The topic will be sin
Let's talk about the wrongdoings in the world


And that's what I'm agin'
I am against these negative actions


If you wanna hear my story
If you're interested in what I have to say


Then settle back and just sit tight
Get confortable and listen attentively


While I start reviewing
While I discuss


The attitude of doing right
Doing the right thing is important


You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
Focus on the good things in life


E-lim-i-nate the negative
Get rid of the negative things in life


And latch on to the affirmative
Hold onto the positive aspects of life


Don't mess with Mr. In-between
Don't be indecisive or unsure about things


You got to spread joy up to the maximum
Do everything you can to bring happiness to the world


Bring gloom down to the minimum
Minimize the amount of sadness and negativity around you


And have faith, or pandemonium
Believe in something or things can become chaotic


Liable to walk upon the scene
Situations can quickly become chaotic and unexpected


To illustrate my last remark
Let me give you an example to explain what I mean


Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
Examples from the Bible


What did they do, just when everything looked so dark?
How did these biblical figures handle difficult situations?


Man, they said, we better ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
They realized the importance of focusing on the good


E-lim-i-nate the negative
They needed to eliminate any negative aspects


And latch on to the affirmative
They held onto the positive


Don't mess with Mr. In-between
They didn't waver or hesitate


No, don't mess with Mr. In-between
It was important to make a solid decision


You got to spread joy up to the maximum
Do everything you can to bring happiness to the world


Bring gloom down to the minimum
Minimize the amount of sadness and negativity around you


And have faith or pandemonium
Believe in something or things can become chaotic


Liable to walk upon the scene
Situations can quickly become chaotic and unexpected


You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
Focus on the good things in life


E-lim-i-nate the negative
Get rid of the negative things in life


And latch on to the affirmative
Hold onto the positive aspects of life


Don't mess with Mr. In-between
Don't be indecisive or unsure about things


No, don't mess with Mr. In-between
It was important to make a solid decision




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nottheothercharlie

Thank you. This video and the lyrics and helping me stay positive during a recovery process of a very bad illness. There is joy in her voice--I can hear it. She is singing to me, not to a big audience; that's why it is understate, as Peggy Lee has always done if you know her music. Thanks for posting this. It is like medicine to me.

@BrideofPFunk

I love this song and no one sings it better than Peggy Lee

@juanmanuelparadacontreras9565

Una gran canción en haber sido inmortalizada por los más icónicos cantantes de su época en dejar su sello personal.

@bobwheatley1519

she will never be forgotten she certainly brought me a lot of joy

@maureen1938

SUPER song and singer....thanks for sharing this with us on here.

@Rajnoma

What a voice and presence! Peggy could put a song "over" like nobody else. She could really swing! I play this one alot when I get low!

@theophiluslikhi7890

Thank you so much, Pro. Prince Handley, this is really great encouragement.

@PrinceHandley

Greatest "Advice Song" ever!!!

@Zipemova1

Lovely!!!

@Xeria

Peggy is awesome

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