Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. (February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982), known profes… Read Full Bio ↴Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. (February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982), known professionally as Sonny Stitt, was an American jazz saxophonist of the bebop/hard bop idiom. Known for his warm tone, he was one of the best-documented saxophonists of his generation, recording more than 100 albums. He was nicknamed the "Lone Wolf" by jazz critic Dan Morgenstern because of his relentless touring and devotion to jazz. Stitt was sometimes viewed as a Charlie Parker mimic, especially earlier in his career, but gradually came to develop his own sound and style, particularly when performing on tenor saxophone.

I Want To Be Happy
Sonny Stitt Quartet Lyrics

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I'm a very ordinary man
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

I want to be happy
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.

Overall Meaning

The song "I Want To Be Happy" by the Sonny Stitt Quartet follows the daily struggles of an ordinary man who is on a quest to find happiness, both for himself and others. In the first verse, the man proclaims himself as "very ordinary," yet he is trying to figure out a path to happiness. He believes in treating others the way he would like to be treated, a philosophy that brings him contentment.

The second verse delves into the singer's relationship with those who are lonely, which becomes his mission to help. For him, providing comfort brings a sense of purpose and joy, and he eagerly shares his philosophy of happiness with them.

The chorus is a declaration of the man's desire for happiness is contingent on making others happy. He believes that the joys of life are worth sharing, and the color and happiness we offer to others is an essential part of our lives.

Overall, the song is an upbeat and optimistic message that happiness is contagious and can be found through simple acts of kindness towards others.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm a very ordinary man
I am just like any other person

Trying to work out life's happy plan
I am trying to figure out the best way to live a happy life

Doing unto others as I'd like to have them doing unto me
I treat others the way I want to be treated

When I find a very lonely soul
When I come across someone who is alone

Soon be-kinda-comes my only goal
It becomes my main objective to help them

I feel so much better when I tell them my philosophy
I feel good when I share my beliefs with them

I want to be happy
I desire to lead a happy life

But I won't be happy
However, I cannot be happy

Till I make you happy too.
unless I also make you happy

Life's really worth living
Life is truly valuable

When we are mirth giving
When we bring joy to others

Why can't I give some to you
I want to bring joy to you too

When skies are gray and you say you are blue
When you are feeling sad and everything seems dull

I'll send the sun smiling through
I will do what I can to make you happy

I want to be happy
I wish to live a happy life

But I won't be happy
However, I cannot be happy

Till I make you happy too.
unless I also make you happy

When skies are gray and you say you are blue
When you are feeling sad and everything seems dull

I'll send the sun smiling through
I will do what I can to make you happy

I want to be happy
I desire to lead a happy life

But I won't be happy
However, I cannot be happy

Till I make you happy too.
unless I also make you happy

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Caesar, Vincent Youmans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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