The O'Jays originally consisting of Walter Williams (b. August 25, 1942), Bill Isles (January 4, 1941 – March 2019), Bobby Massey, William Powell (January 20, 1942–May 26, 1977) and Eddie Levert (b. June 16, 1942). The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. The O'Jays (now a trio after the departure of Isles and Massey) had their first hit with "Lonely Drifter", in 1963. In spite of the record's success, the group was considering quitting the music business until Gamble & Huff, a legendary team of producers and songwriters, took an interest in the group. With Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with Back Stabbers (1972), a huge pop hit, and topped the U.S. singles charts the following year with their anthemic "Love Train".
They formed the group in Canton, Ohio in 1958 while attending Canton McKinley High School. Originally known as The Triumphs, and then The Mascots, the friends began recording with "Miracles" in 1961, which was a moderate hit in the Cleveland area. In 1963 they took the name "The O'Jays", in tribute to radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay (Toop, 1991), and released "Lonely Drifter", which charted nationally. Their debut LP was Comin' Through. Throughout the 1960s, they continued to chart with songs such as "Lipstick Traces" (which they performed nationally on the ABC Television program, Shivaree), "Stand In For Love", "Let It All Out", "I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow", "Deeper In Love With You" and "One Night Affair", along with several other regional and national Pop and R&B hits. In 1972, they finally scored with their first million-seller, "Back Stabbers", from the gold album of the same name. By this time, original member Bobby Massey had also departed, leaving the group a trio. This album produced several more hit singles, including "992 Arguments", "Sunshine", "Time To Get Down" and the #1 Pop smash, "Love Train". They became known as "The Mighty O'Jays" due to their exciting, emotion-packed stage performances, led by the dynamic Levert, and the cool, multi-range vocals of Walter Williams, coupled with the matinee idol looks and smooth first tenor voice of William Powell.
During the remainder of the 1970s the O'Jays continued releasing chart-topping singles, including "Put Your Hands Together" (Pop #10), "For the Love of Money" (Pop #9), "Give the People What They Want", "Let Me Make Love To You", "I Love Music" (Pop #5), "Livin' for the Weekend", "Message in Our Music" and "Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet Tender Love)". Original member William Powell died of cancer in 1977 at the age of just 35.
After adding Sammy Strain (born December 9, 1941) (of Little Anthony & the Imperials), the O'Jays continued recording, though with limited success. 1978's "Use ta Be My Girl" was their final Top Five hit, though they continued placing songs on the R&B charts throughout the 1980s. Their 1987 album, Let Me Touch You, was a breakthrough of sorts, and included the #1 R&B hit "Lovin' You". Eddie Levert also got a copy of Kevan Tynes' "Loving You" prior to recording their version .Though they continued charting on the R&B charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the O'Jays never again achieved pop success. In 1992, Sammy Strain left the group, and returned to the Imperials, to be replaced by Nathaniel Best, and later, by Eric Grant. Later in the 1990s, the group did little recording, though they remained a popular live draw. Their latest album was Imagination in 2004.
In 2003, they co-starred in the movie The Fighting Temptations, which starred Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce Knowles. In the film, they played three barbers who joined the local church choir to help out the film's protagonist Darrin (Gooding) who was the choir director.
In 2005 the O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Original members Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bobby Massey and, posthumously, William Powell, were inducted. In a note of controversy, 70's O'Jays member Sammy Strain was also inducted with the group, while original member Bill Isles was not. (Strain is one of the few artists in popular music history who is a double RRHOF inductee: with The O'Jays in 2005, and The Imperials in 2009). In 2006, the O'Jays performed at the ESPY awards, hosted by Lance Armstrong. "For the Love of Money" is the theme song to the hit reality TV show The Apprentice, starring Donald Trump, which is ironic considering that the lyrics warn of the evil people will do for the love of money.
On February 23, 2007, Radio-Canada's website reported that Canadian Industry Minister Jim Prentice had used the song "For The Love of Money" without the group's permission during a political event, a faux pas since Prentice is responsible for the application of the Copyright Act in Canada. Radio-Canada also reports that Prentice has since been contacted by the attorneys for both the O'Jays and Warner/Chappell Music.
On June 28, 2009, at the 2009 BET Award Show in the Shrine Auditorium the O'Jays were honored with BET's 2009 Life Time Achievement Award. Tevin Campbell, Trey Songz, Tyrese Gibson, and Johnny Gill performed a medley of the groups songs followed by the presentation of the award by Don Cornelius. The group reminisced, joked with the audience and accepted their award before performing a rendition of their hit songs.
Sing a Happy Song
The O'Jays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why don't you sing along, sing a happy song?
You don't have to dance, sing a happy song
Come on, clap your hands, sing a happy song
Music's good for your soul
It can bring a real good feelin'
Good for the young and old
It can be your release
It can supply you with peace
Some peace of mind
Why don't you
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song?
(Sing)
Come on, sing along, sing a happy song
(Why don't you?)
Why don't you dance awhile, sing a happy song?
(Dance, dance)
Come on, get involved, sing a happy song
Can't you feel, feel the beat?
Go ahead and pat your feet and
Let the rhythm take control
Move your body from side to side, oh
If you are feelin' down
Tune right into the sound
The sound of music
Why don't you
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song?
(Come on, chase all away)
Chase all your blues away, sing a happy song
(Hey, now)
Get on up and dance, sing a happy song
(Y'all, y'all, y'all)
Come on clap your hands, sing a happy song
You know, you can do it, tell 'em all
'Cause it's easy, so easy to do
All I can do sing it loud and hearty
Well, come on everybody let's get down and party
(Sing)
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song
(Sing, sing, sing)
Come on, sing along, sing a happy song
(Everybody now)
Why don't you dance awhile, sing a happy song?
(Happy song)
Come on get involved, sing a happy song
Music, make your life
And make your soul happy
Sing a happy song
Music, music, music, music
Music, music, music, music, happy music
Well, y'all sing a happy song, sing a happy song
Come on, come on, clap your hands, sing a happy song
(Sing, sing)
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song
(Sing, sing, sing, sing)
Come on sing along, sing a happy song
(Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet music)
Can make you happy, make you so happy
Sing a happy song
Music can make you happy, make you so happy
(Music, music, music, music)
The O'Jays's Sing a Happy Song encourages listeners to find joy through music. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics encourage participation and dancing, promoting a feeling of togetherness and positivity. The lyrics acknowledge the power of music to lift a person's mood; it can bring a real good feeling and brighten up even the darkest day. The song urges listeners to let the rhythm take control, dance and clap their hands. Even if they are feeling down, tuning into the sound of music and singing a happy song can chase away the blues and make them feel better.
Sing a Happy Song speaks to the universal experience of feeling better after listening to music that resonates with us. The O'Jays were known for producing soulful R&B music with an upbeat tempo that made people want to dance. Sing a Happy Song is a classic example of their style of music. It became a successful hit and was one of their most popular songs.
Line by Line Meaning
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song
Encouraging people to create positive vibes by singing a cheerful tune and repeating to ensure everyone is involved.
Why don't you sing along, sing a happy song?
Inviting and suggesting people to join in singing an uplifting music to elevate their mood and lift their spirit.
You don't have to dance, sing a happy song
Reassuring that moving your body to the rhythm is not a requirement; instead, just sing to create a joyful environment.
Come on, clap your hands, sing a happy song
Encouraging the listeners to clap their hands together in a rhythmic manner that can help uplift their mood and create a bonding with others around them.
Music's good for your soul
Music has the ability to heal and soothe one's soul, and it can help in bringing a positive feeling that counters the negative emotions one might be holding.
It can bring a real good feelin'
Music can create an overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness that helps counter anxiety and depression, and can refresh one's mindset.
Good for the young and old
Music is not confinement to age; it can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age and can bring a different kind of enjoyment for each individual differently.
Brighten up the darkest day, oh
Music has a unique way of altering one's mood to a positive aspect, and create the right ambiance for people to indulge in life with positivity, even in the most challenging of days.
It can be your release
Music has the power to work as a soothing agent to your soul and release you from apprehension or anxiety by providing comfort.
It can supply you with peace
Listening to music can provide a calming effect, and offer inner peace and tranquility, which can lead to a better mindset.
Some peace of mind
Music can create a serene environment that calms the mind and is immensely beneficial to mental wellbeing.
Can't you feel, feel the beat?
Music has an infectious quality that makes the listener want to move their body in unison with the rhythm.
Go ahead and pat your feet and
Encouraging listeners to let loose by tapping their feet and relaxing, enjoying music's rhythm and warming up to it.
Let the rhythm take control
Immersing oneself in the music and letting go of all inhibitions, allowing the rhythm to take over and influence the mind with positivity.
Move your body from side to side, oh
Music is not only suitable for relaxation, but it also helps energize, and get people physically entangled, using the rhythm to move, groove and boost feelings of positivity.
If you are feelin' down
Music can aid in boosting one's spirit when they're feeling low or gloomy by providing an escape and transforming the mood.
Tune right into the sound
Advising the listener to tune-in right into the sound, diverting attention from that causing the apprehension while synchronizing with the upbeat music feel.
The sound of music
Referring to music itself being the sound that uplifts the mood, and encourages participation to take advantage of the music's positive effect.
Chase all your blues away, sing a happy song
Challenging the listener to try something new and motivating, changing their current state of mind by chasing away the gloom through singing a joyous tune.
Get on up and dance, sing a happy song
Encouraging people to break free of the shackles that are holding them back and have fun, dance and sing like there's no tomorrow, and enjoy upbeat music's positive vibes.
Music, make your life
Emphasizing that Music holds the potential to alter the consumer's perceptions, mood, and mindset in regards to life's highs and lows.
And make your soul happy
Encouraging the listener to free themselves of the burden of the outside world, indulge in music, and be happy.
Well, y'all sing a happy song, sing a happy song
Reiterating the chorus - encouraging the audience to sing aloud and joyously, reflecting positively on personal and group's energy levels.
Music can make you happy, make you so happy
Encouraging the listener to embrace music to uplift their mood and bring happiness into their lives.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gabri
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song
Why don't you sing along, sing a happy song
Get on up and dance, sing a happy song
Come on clap your hands, sing a happy song
Music's good for your soul
It can bring a real good feelin'
Good for the young and old
Brighten up the darkest day, oh
It can be your release
It can supply you with peace
Some peace of mind
Why don't you
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song (Sing)
Why don't you sing along, sing a happy song (Why don't you)
Why don't you dance awhile (Dance, dance), sing a happy song
Come on get involved, sing a happy song
Can't you feel, feel the beat
Go ahead and pat your feet and
Let the rhythm take control
Move your body from side to side, oh
If you are feelin' down
Tune right into the sound
The sound of music
Why don't you
Sing a happy song (Come on), sing a happy song (Chase 'em away)
Chase all your blues away, sing a happy song (Hey, now...)
Get on up and dance, sing a happy song (Y'all, y'all)
Come on clap your hands, sing a happy song
You know you can do it
'Cause it's easy, so easy to do
Sing it loud and hearty
Come on everybody, let's get down and party (Sing)
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song (Sing)
Why don't you sing along, sing a happy song (You ought to)
Get on up and dance (Sing), sing a happy song (Dance, dance, dance)
Come on, clap your hands, sing a happy song
You know you can do it (Come on)
It's easy, so easy to do (All you gotta do)
Sing it loud and hearty (Well)
Come on everybody, let's get down and party (Sing)
Sing a happy song, sing a happy song (Sing, sing, sing)
Come on sing along, sing a happy song
Why don't you dance awhile, sing a happy song {Happy song}
Come on get involved, sing a happy song
Sing a happy song (Sing), sing a happy song (Sing, y'all)
Chase all your blues away, sing a happy song (Why don't you)
Get on up and dance, sing a happy song (Why don't you, y'all)
Come on clap your hands, sing a happy song
Music make your life and make your soul happy
Sing a happy song
Music, music, music, music
Music, music, music, music, happy music
Well, y'all sing a happy song, sing a happy song
Why don't you sing along, sing a happy song (Get on up and dance)
Get on up and dance (Dance), sing a happy song (Dance, dance, come on)
Come on clap your hands, sing a happy song (Sing, sing)
Sing a happy song (Sing, sing), sing a happy song (Sing, sing)
Come on sing along, sing a happy song (Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet music)
Why don't you dance awhile, sing a happy song
Come on get involved, sing a happy song (Sweet, sweet)
Music make your life and make your soul happy
Sing a happy song
Music make your life and make your soul happy
Sing a happy song
Music make your life and make your soul happy
Sing a happy song
Music make your life and make your soul happy
Patrick Stocks
Sing 🎵 a happy 😃 song, sing 🎵 a happy 😃 song
Why don’t you sing 🎤 along, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song?
You don’t have to dance 💃 sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Come on, clap 👏 your hands, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Musics good for your soul
It can bring a real good feelin
Good for the young and old
Brighten up the darkest day, oh
It can be your release
It can supply you with peace ✌️
Some peace ✌️ of mind
Why don’t you
Sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song?
(Sing)
Come on, sing 🎤 along, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Why don’t you?)
Why don’t you dance 💃 awhile, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song?
(Dance, dance 💃)
Come on, get involved, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Can’t you feel, feel the beat?
Go ahead and pat your feet 🦶 and
Let the rhythm take control
Move your body from side to side, oh
If you are feelin’ down
Tune right into the sound
The sound of music 🎶
Why don’t you
Sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song?
(Come on, chase all away)
Chase all your blues away, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Hey, now)
Get on up and dance 💃 sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Y’all, Y’all, Y’all)
Come on clap 👏 your hands, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
You know, you can do it, tell ‘em all
Cause it’s easy, so easy to do
All I can do sing 🎤 it loud and hearty
Well, come on everybody let’s get down and party 🎈
(Sing)
Sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Sing, sing, sing 🎤)
Come on, sing 🎤 along, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Everybody now)
Why don’t you dance 💃 awhile, sing 🎵 a happy 😃 song?
(Happy song)
Come on get involved, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Music 🎵 make your life
And make your soul happy 😃
Sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Music 🎧 music 🎧 music 🎧 music 🎧
Music 🎧 music 🎧 music 🎧 music 🎧 happy 😃 music 🎧
Well, y’all sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Come on, come on, clap 👏 your hands, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Sing, sing 🎤)
Sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
(Sing, sing, sing, sing 🎤)
Come on sing 🎤 along, sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Can make you happy 😃 make you so happy 😀
Sing 🎤 a happy 😃 song
Music 🎵 can make you happy 😃 make you so happy 😀
(Music, music, music, music 🎧)
BballSpiderMonkey
The voices are telling me to sing a happy song!
Nobody
Good one😂 Btw that movie is so good
Kenny Kinard
This is pure perfection at its highest level. These Legendary brothers enjoyed performing and they "ALWAYS" put 100% into their job. Look closely at this video and you can see it. O'jays for life.
Tackielemkwa
My gosh I am still in the groove with this song after all the years. So soothing listening over and over again.
Jeremy Manning
This has been my 'go to' feel good song for over 40 years! Love it and The Ojays.
Walter Williams is the coolest guy in the world!
Bill Ba
This song extinguishes sadness. Music blessed by God!!!
Lukas Carlsten
Their choreography is so good in this performance!!
Kimberly Hendricks
One of my favorites. always makes me feel good.
Jewels Fields
So good! How can you not get up and dance when you hear this.
Mack Edwards
seen them in concert in the late 90s and they can move , love the dancing and movement