The Happenings is an American pop music group that originated in the 1960s.… Read Full Bio ↴The Happenings is an American pop music group that originated in the 1960s. The band continues to perform with lead singer Bob Miranda as the only remaining original member.

Formed by Bob Miranda, David Libert, Tom Giuliano, and Ralph DiVito, after they all graduated high school in Paterson, New Jersey, their major hits were "See You in September" (1966) (originally recorded by the Tempos in 1959) and a cover version of the George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin song, "I Got Rhythm" (1967), updated for the group's sunshine pop musical style. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, "See You In September" the song was listed in a memo containing 150 songs that radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications recommended to be pulled from the airwaves - despite the fact that the song is about two lovers saying goodbye for the summer and had nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism.

The group had nine US Billboard Hot 100 Singles hits from 1966 to 1968. The band continues to perform with lead singer Bob Miranda as the only remaining original member.

I Got Rhythm
The Happenings Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In this vast and troubled world
We sometimes lose our way
But I am never lost
I feel this way because

Rhythm
Rhythm
Rhythm

Rhythm

I've got rhythm
I've got music
I got my girl
Who could ask for anything more?

I've got good times
No more bad times
I've got my girl
Who could ask for anything more?

Old man trouble (old man trouble)
I don't mind him (I don't mind him)
You won't find him
'Round my door

I've got starlight (I've got starlight)
I've got sweet dreams (I've got sweet dreams)
I've got my girl
Who could ask for
Who could ask for more?

Old man trouble (old man trouble)
I don't mind him (I don't mind him)
You won't find
You'll never gonna find him 'round my door
I've got rhythm (hey, I've got rhythm)
I've got music (hey, I've got music)
And I've got my girl
Who could ask for anything more?

In this vast and troubled world

Rhythm
Rhythm
Rhythm
Rhythm
I've got rhythm
I've got rhythm

I've got rhythm
I've got rhythm

Overall Meaning

The Happenings's song "I Got Rhythm" is an upbeat tune that celebrates the power of music to lift one's spirits and provide a sense of direction in life. The opening lines suggest that in our vast and troubled world, it's easy to get lost and feel disoriented. However, the singer claims that he's never really lost because he has something that keeps him on track - and that something is "rhythm."

The repetition of the word "rhythm" throughout the song emphasizes its importance to the singer, who identifies it as the key to his sense of stability and well-being. He sings about how having "rhythm" - which he later equates with having "music" - gives him everything he needs in life. He has his girl, he has good times, and he has starlight and sweet dreams. Old man trouble may be lurking around, but the singer is unconcerned because he has everything he needs to keep him going.

Ultimately, the song's message is one of positivity and celebration. The singer revels in his ability to stay focused and happy by tapping into the power of music. The repetition and catchy melody of the chorus draw the listener in, encouraging them to join in the celebration and feel the power of rhythm for themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

In this vast and troubled world
In a world that can often seem overwhelming and full of trouble

We sometimes lose our way
It is easy to get lost and confused in life

But I am never lost
But I never truly feel lost

I feel this way because
This is because of the power of one thing

Rhythm
Rhythm, which has the ability to give structure and meaning to our lives

Rhythm
Rhythm, which helps to guide us through the ups and downs of life

Rhythm
Rhythm, which keeps us grounded and in touch with ourselves

Rhythm
Rhythm, which provides us with a sense of purpose and focus

I've got rhythm
I have found this rhythm and it is a source of strength and comfort to me

I've got music
Music, which is an expression of this rhythm and an extension of myself

I got my girl
The love and companionship of my significant other, which adds to the richness of my life

Who could ask for anything more?
What more could I possibly need or want in life?

I've got good times
Because of this rhythm, I am able to experience the good times in life

No more bad times
And even in the bad times, this rhythm gives me the strength and resilience to endure

Old man trouble (old man trouble)
The many challenges and obstacles of life

I don't mind him (I don't mind him)
But I refuse to be defeated by them or let them bring me down

You won't find him
These challenges cannot touch or harm me

'Round my door
As long as I have this rhythm and the people I care about, I am safe and protected from harm

I've got starlight (I've got starlight)
The beauty and wonder of the world around me

I've got sweet dreams (I've got sweet dreams)
And the ability to imagine and dream of a better life

Who could ask for
What more could one possibly need or desire

Who could ask for more?
With this rhythm, music, and my loved ones, I have everything I could ever ask for

You'll never gonna find him 'round my door
These challenges cannot touch or harm me as long as I have my rhythm and the people I care about

I've got rhythm (hey, I've got rhythm)
This rhythm is the foundation of my life

I've got music (hey, I've got music)
And music is the expression of this rhythm

And I've got my girl
And with the love and companionship of my significant other, life is complete

Who could ask for anything more?
What more could one possibly need or desire in life?

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

ridingroy

11y↑19

Bob Miranda to this day has one of the strongest falsettos in Pop music history!

horarwgt

12y↑14

This single reached #3 nationally in the U.S. in the summer of 1967. Not bad for a tune written by George and Ira Gershwin almost 40 years earlier and first made famous in the Broadway musical "Girl Crazy" when performed by Ethel Merman! Oddly enough, it was originally written as a slow song in 1928 for an unsuccessful musical, "Treasure Girl."

KTA0806

14y↑7

I was 11 years old when this was released in 1967. The Happenings do a great version of this tune. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts in June, 1967. I still have my copy of the Happenings "Psycle" LP, which contained "I Got Rhythm". Long live vinyl!!!

Charles Oliva

4y↑35

OMG - l just realized they are singing live to the recorded backing track. They sound amazing!!

LC Writer

15y↑11

Lead singer Bob Miranda had a great voice! Timesless stuff!

Rory Cubel

11y↑16

Thank you Bob! This was back in the day when lead singers (and backup vocalists) had a 3 octave voice range. Singing supreme! I remember the song and group like it was yesterday.

Patrick Murphy

11y↑6

One of the great voices of the 60s... Way to go Bob.

Rory Cubel

11y↑42

That lead singer had one of the finest voices in music then. Thanks for posting this rare footage!

Maria João Couceiro

8y↑10

This is a fantastic version, full of RYTHM indeed!
Calvin Johnson has a great voice.

Mike Signorile

11y↑4

We just saw them at Westbury Music Fair on Dec. 8th and Bob Miranda still sounds like he did when he recorded "I Got Rhythm" all those years ago! If they happen to be in your area don't miss the opportunity to see them. You won't be disappointed!!

horarwgt

11y↑9

Despite the video droputs (and Tom's awkward introduction), this is a first rate capture of one of the most effervescent hit records of the '60s. Your heart cannot help but soar while listening to The Happenings' showstopping performance. George and Ira Gershwin wrote this for their 1930 Bradway musical "Girl Crazy" and it was Ethel Merman who first belted the tune to the back rows. "Filling in the 73 syllables of the refrain wasn't as simple as it sounds," said lyricist Ira..

PietroFlorian

11y↑10

I always smile when folks recall moments like this when a tune brings the memories back.

MANUEL FARINELLI

14y↑5

Bravo, this group is really great and it´s a pleasure to listen too!

FA Barragan

11y↑21

Reminiscence of other groups of the mid 60's such as... The Four Seasons, The Vogues, The Happenings. Great vocal harmonies!

LasVegasJim

14y↑3

Thanks. The Smother's Brothers deserve much more credit.... This is a great song in every respect. Dip,dip, dip, dip, dip.....rhythm....dip...dip....!!! Who could ask for more???

Sandbagger300

14y↑4

Great song! This group is from my hometown Paterson, NJ. My dad said he saw them live a couple of times before they hit it big.

Bill Kalivas

7y↑3

50 years old and still a great song.

pmoyer50

14y↑2

Dip dip dip dip dip dip. Yeah, this song is contagious and I loved it when it came out. Still do. Anyone catch Brian Wilson's take on this song from his new album, "Re-imagining Gershwin?" Really great. The lead singer on this take has a phenomenal voice. What range and emotion!

KnightHawk111

14y↑2

This sounds like it was done live, not lip sync'd, which was unusual for that time, I think. Great performance! Thanks for posting this!

Anotherway04

13y↑3

Really neat, cool and musically colorful stuff. I remember this song on the AM radio airwaves as youngster way back when. It still sounds quite good.

Lester Solnin

13y↑4

I always loved this version!

vigilante11485

14y↑2

Very good '60's take on an unforgettable old classic!

MikeBlitzMag

14y↑11

Mind boggling harmonies. Would LOVE to see a video of "Tea Time", their utterly bizarre B-side to their 1966 "Go Away Little Girl" single. Same for their cover of Al Jolson's "My Mammy" with its larger than life acapella intro.

MK

9y↑8

I heard this on the radio this morning and when I got home tonight I had to come to You Tube and listen to it again.
And I'm so glad that my 13 year old granddaughter is discovering what she jokingly calls 'old music'.

SgtRock57

15y↑8

I wonder if a group like this would survive today's music scene. Clean cut, not vulgar, no tatoos or piercings. No screaming hate, drugs or expletives. I guess not. I remember this time. Thanks for posting.

4thstooge

11y↑8

Their show hosted many memorable performances in the time they were on. My father didn't like them because of their politics, but my brother & I would always watch them any time we could.

Sergio Mazurchi

11y↑1

1967: QUANTA SAUDADE, ANO MÁGICO DA MÚSICA INTERNACIONAL. QUERIA PODER VOLTAR NOVAMENTE VIVER ESTES GRANDES MOMENTOS.

david spielman

6y↑3

I love harmony , these guys are great .

sauquoit13456

9y↑9

On this day in 1967 {April 2nd} "I Got Rhythm" by the Happenings entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #73; seven weeks later on May 21st, 1967 it peaked at #3 {for 3 weeks} and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100...
Between 1966 and 1969 the New Jersey quartet had nine* Top 100 records; with two making the Top 10, their other Top 10 record, "See You In September", also peaked at #3 {1966}...
* All nine of their Top 100 records were covered versions...

JUST ME

5y↑1

See you in September - one of my top 10 favorites.

Tony G. Pizza

11y↑5

Excellent version of this classic. Made #1 on Cash Box but surprisingly, not Billboard.

Law Martin

13y↑2

Man, I forgot how cool the smothers brothers were. The Jefferson Airplane, other Associations songs, with psychedelic backgrounds... I'm feelin' tragically hip!

ilikechet

7y↑1

Great group and lead singer..he's right up ther with the best of them.

ABfromWindsor

2y↑2

What a catchy song.😄👍

bzzzzap

11y↑8

Keeping the italian american doo wop style pumping almost into the 70s. Respect this hit.

b4plasticcars

8y↑1

These harmonizing masters should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Seriously. In the "Soft Rock Wing" (assuming there is one). They are one of the most talented, stylistic and hard-driving pop vocal groups of the '60s. And that lead singer has velvet vocal chords! Their version of "Go Away Little Girl" is ALSO better than anyone else's!

Richard Ranke

10y↑14

My brother and I loved this song.I did learn later who else sang it and I know the Happenings weren't the first to sing it-but I still have an old record album that this version of the song is on.

John H

5y↑1

Amazing group!!! Miss these days!!!

ftsjr

14y↑2

I was 10 when this song was released, and I loved it. I still do. The first time I heard it, I thought it was the Four Seasons. I'm sure many people made the same mistake.

Mike Signorile

11y↑1

We saw them Dec 8th at Westbury Music Fair, NY. Bob Miranda sings the notes just as he did when the song was originally recorded. If they are performing in your area make it a point to see them. You will not be disappointed!!

tom fernandez

14y↑2

Underrated group - had plenty of rhythm. August now, see you in September !

James Cavender

12y↑2

Always liked this classic gem, they were the last of the street corner Jersey "do wop sound", So much fun!

Greg Fearns

5y↑4

This so reminds me of the 60s, I was young and loved life.

summo55

15y↑1

Yes indeed, a great song - beautiful harmonies! I think this is my favorite version of the song .... just slightly ahead of Fozzie Bear's version on The Muppet Show, "I Don't Got Rhythm" !! :-)

Tony G. Pizza

11y↑1

Excellent version of this classic. Made #1 on Cash Box but surprisingly, not Billboard. Mr. Miranda, when in 67 did you sing this? Can you share some memories of the time?

Kramden429

12y↑1

The Tokens did, in fact, discover the Happenings and produced all their hits. And the Happenings actually began as "The Four Graduates." But thanks for posting this. I was just 5 years old in 1967 when this version of "I Got Rhythm" came out, and it bought back many untapped but pleasant childhood memories.

MsPandaRosa

13y↑2

Heavenly days MaGee, this version's thirty years older than I thought! ah, a classic is more timeless that we have a right to know.

fgldnglbs

8y↑1

As I once pointed out to my Mom, they did not throw out the American Songbook when rock 'n' roll came around. With the revival cycle working as it does, those songs were due. The versions of the Songbook that were cut in the 50's and 60's were the definitive ones in my book. Sinatra and the Four Seasons' versions of Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin," also out about this time, were another example.

Isukaman

10y↑2

Great arrangement.

videomitch Last

15y↑1

Great song. Brings back so many memories. Does anyone have a copy of the Happenings doing a version of "Where Do I Go" from Hair? Been looking for it for almost forty years, but most people think I'm crazy when I bring it up. If you have a copy of this rare recording, please post. I would love to hear it again. Thx.

Bobby Wall

6y↑3

The happenings are what was happening back then, I was at a car race at a dirt track in n.c. when i heard this one of the best groups of all time!!!

50Emerald

15y↑10

Mark this down as one of the most *under-rated* groups of the 1960s...

jsf51953

14y↑1

Class act from start to finish!

sylvie bertran

10y↑15

Pretty big hit back in the day

Kramden429

12y↑17

The Happenings *were,* in fact, discovered by the Tokens when they were known as The Four Graduates. When the Tokens founded their own label, B.T. Puppy Records, in 1964, the Happenings signed with the label in early 1966, and the Tokens produced all the Happenings' hits, including this one (sometimes under the pseudonym "Bright Tunes Productions"). When B.T. Puppy folded in 1968, the Happenings signed with distributing label Jubilee, where they had a minor hit with "Where Do I Go/Be-In."

Steve Jump

9y↑1

Back then I knew who Gershwin was and that this was just one of his great tunes, but I can't remember why I knew it. Then once on the radio they played an old recording of him ripping up the piano with his pyrotechnic version of "I Got Rhythm" and I understood why he was considered great. He was the Eric Clapton AND Paul McCartney of his time.

Senhor Casmurro

Wonderful voices

Glamagal20091

12y↑1

This always reminds me of passing by Magdeburg in East Germany in 1967, with the car radio still tuned into a West German station. This was playing at the time.

Eagle027

14y↑1

The Happenings did concert at my college. It was without a doubt the most entertaining concert, I've seen in that type of venue. More like a Vegas show.

Lynne Frasche

8y↑1

Bob Miranda was a patient of ours years ago. He told us that basically, he was a kid, and most of the money they made off any charting hits went to the record company. I always felt bad about this....Nice man. Different times in the music industry.

Lyle Schull

2y↑2

Today's music Can't hold a candle to music back then

amsedelm

13y

Love it love it love it!

TLC jr.

15y

I like this song. Thanks for sharing this.

Loring Wirbel

12y↑13

Smothers were never afraid to have some really outsider stuff on their show. Jefferson Airplane playing "Lather," etc.

R. W. Smith

10y↑28

Hey, it's not lip-synched.
Great to hear, and an informative intro.

rick charles

9y↑3

Are you sure? The instrumentation was there and it sounded exactly like the 45. Most TV shows demanded that they lip-sync especially shows with an audience. No 2nd takes.

goneatlast

6y↑3

Lead vocal is live, the rest is backtracked :)

Kim Sylvest

5y↑3

Rick Charles the singing is not the same as on the recording

jonmiranda1

5y↑2

Bob miranda is my grandpa

Charles F. Roland

10y↑2

Very classy act!!!

bob ettore

16y

great post!! Miranda can really sing!

twao dood

Great Stuff!! Miss The Smothers Brothers Show!!

L Lance

13y

These guys made remakes better than the originals and that is not easy to do.

Ashley Raimondi

15y↑1

oh man i remember singing this in school i love how Bernie was my music teacher <3

Kevin K

10y↑44

I always tell my friend if I had a timemachine I would go back to 1964.Ragdoll was the #1 hit.Had my transistor radio with a little earpiece and didnt have a care in the world!!!!

jlrylady

7y↑3

I've talked about the Time Machine also. Just to go back for a day every now and then. Maybe catch an episode of Where the Action Is.

Eddy G's Music World

5y↑2

me too,always with a transistor radio walking around,way before walkmans

John Kelley

13y

I remember this on tv.....and the smothers brothers song......What a great one...

isukaman

12y

The part starting at the 2:42 mark sounds great.

Larry Woodruff

5y↑2

Not an easy song to sing, not the way these guys sang it anyway, these guys were solid.

Jose Camaraza

12y

i was born in the late 80's and yet, to me the 60's seems like the pinnacle of good music to me. i wish that... i was born a thousand years ago.... oh wait. i mean 40 or 50 years ago. :)

monikati51

15y

Love you, The Happenings.!Have all your musics, and you sang on my teens (and forever). Monica de Catella singer/writer from BRAZIL

hayesman76

13y

Great tune and very nice rendition. Were there two different groups known as The Happenings performing during the late-1960s? I'm confused because there's another (black and white, 1971) You Tube clip of The Happenings on The Mike Douglas Show and it seems like a different group. The former don't play instruments and are singers only, whereas the latter play instruments and look likep art of the British Invasion of that era.