Their collaboration with legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller gave them a unique sound that was very humorous most of the time. Their first huge hit came with "Young Blood" and "Searchin'." They also had success with hits such as "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," and "Little Egypt."
Gardner was still touring with The Coasters as late as 2005, although he is the only surviving original member. Gardner is now semi-retired and has handed the reins over to his son Carl Jr.
In 1987, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, thus becoming the first group to be inducted (the other inductees at the time were solo acts). In 2000, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. In 2004, "Young Blood" was #414 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. "Young Blood" and "Yakety Yak" were part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. The band's song "Down In Mexico" appears on the new film, Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
On the Sunny Side of the Street
The Coasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The Coasters song “On the Sunny Side of the Street” is a joyful and upbeat tune about overcoming loneliness and finding happiness. The lyrics describe how the singer used to walk alone, feeling nothing but shadows until one day when they met someone who brought light and brightness to their life. This person taught them how to live in the moment, forget their worries, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The singer implores the listener to do the same, to grab their coat, get their hat, and leave their worries on the doorstep, walking confidently towards the sunny side of the street.
The lyrics use clever metaphors to describe the transformation from sadness to joy. The phrase “All my worry blew away” is reminiscent of a breeze blowing away clouds and darkness, while “That happy tune is your step” suggests the idea of music lifting your spirits and making you want to dance. The sentiment of the lyrics is that happiness is not something that can be found through material possessions, but rather through the simple pleasures of life and the company of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I lived my life in solitude with no one to talk to or share my thoughts and emotions.
And I had nothing but shadows
I had no real happiness or joy in life and everything seemed dreary.
Then one morning you passed
One day, you crossed my path and caught my attention.
And I brightened at last
You brought light into my life and lifted my spirits.
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With you in my life, I start and end each day with joy and contentment.
With the sun in my heart
My heart is filled with warmth and happiness because of you.
All my worry blew away
You made me realize that worrying is futile and that I can enjoy life without fear or anxiety.
When you taught me how to say
You showed me how to appreciate life and all its beauty.
Grab your coat and get your hat
Let's go out and make the most of the day.
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Let's forget our problems and enjoy life to the fullest.
Just direct your feet
Let's go where the sun shines and the world is beautiful.
To the sunny side of the street
Let's go to the happy side of life.
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Can't you sense the excitement of life?
And that happy tune is your step
Let's move to the rhythm of life and enjoy every moment.
Life can be so sweet
Life is beautiful and full of goodness.
On the sunny side of the street
Let's enjoy the bright side of life.
I used to walk in the shade
I used to live in darkness and sadness.
With those blues on parade
I used to be sad and depressed all the time.
But I'm not afraid
But now, I am free from fear and worry.
This Rover crossed over
I have overcome my past and moved on to a better life.
If I never have a cent
Even if I don't have any money or wealth,
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I feel like I have everything I need to be happy and fulfilled.
Gold dust at my feet
I feel like I have everything I need to live a rich, abundant life.
On the sunny side of the street
Because I am living life to the fullest, I am on the happy and bright side of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind