Felix Cavaliere (keyboard, vocals), Gene Cornish (guitar), Dino Danelli (drums) and Eddie Brigati (vocals) formed the band in New York City. Three-quarters of the group - Felix, Gene, and Eddie - had previously been members of Joey Dee and the Starliters. Eddie's brother, David Brigati, another former Starliter, arranged the vocal harmonies and sang backgrounds on many of the group's recordings (informally earning the designation as the Fifth Rascal). When Atlantic Records signed them, they discovered that they already had another obscure group named the Rascals on the payroll. They decided to rename the group the Young Rascals.
Their first minor hit was "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" (1965), followed by the #1 single "Good Lovin'" (1966, originally by the Olympics). Soon the band began to mature as songwriters and released other hit songs written themselves, including the hit "Groovin'" (1967), "It's Wonderful", "How Can I Be Sure" (which got to #1 in the UK when covered by David Cassidy), and "A Beautiful Morning" (1968).
Their best-remembered song was "People Got to Be Free" (1968), a passionate plea for racial tolerance. Unusual for their time, the Rascals refused to tour on segregrated bills. After "People Got to Be Free", the Rascals never regained their former fame or had as large a hit.
In 1970, Eddie Brigati left the group, followed by Cornish in 1971. The last album with them as active members was Search & Nearness, which featured Eddie singing lead on the Cornish-penned You Don't Know and their cover of The Box Tops hit The Letter. The only single release from the album was the spiritually-themed Glory, Glory(#57 in the US), with backing vocals by The Sweet Inspirations. Cavaliere and Danelli released two more albums as The Rascals, Peaceful World and The Island Of Real, using other musicians and singers. They disbanded in 1972.
Cavaliere released several solo albums throughout the 1970s. Brigati, with his brother David, released "Lost in the Wilderness" in 1976. Cornish and Danelli worked together in other groups, including Bulldog and Fotomaker. In 1982, Cavaliere and Danelli joined Steve Van Zandt in Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul.
The (Young) Rascals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
I'm So Happy Now
The Young Rascals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And think that life was cruel and full of hate
But now I see
Things are not so bad (things are not so bad)
If only I had had someone to hold my hand like you
I'd do it then
I'm so happy now
I'm so happy now
And now that I am free
From all that misery and I can smile again
'Cause you
Came into my life (came into my life)
Said you'd be my wife and made me realize that life
Is wonderful
And
I'm so happy now
You changed my life somehow
I'm so happy now
I'm so happy now
You changed my life somehow
I'm so happy now
I'm so happy now
You changed my life somehow
I'm so happy now
The lyrics to The Young Rascals’s "I'm So Happy Now" express the feeling of newfound happiness after being rescued from a state of despair. The song speaks about a life that was previously perceived as "cruel and full of hate," with the singer feeling like a "fool." However, with the arrival of a new love interest, who now serves as a partner, the singer has found happiness and can see that "life is wonderful."
The chorus repeats the phrase “I’m so happy now” in a euphoric manner that celebrates the singer's newfound joy. The songwriters add depth to the narrative by mentioning that the happiness stems from someone else's actions, indicating that the singer has experienced the kindness and understanding of another. The song is a clear example of how finding love from someone else can play an important role in someone's life, and how it can help individuals find happiness and meaning in existence.
Overall, "I'm So Happy Now" is a beautiful and soulful song that highlights the power of love and human connection in bringing about joy and a meaningful life. The lyrics encourage listeners to seek love and relationships that will bring positivity into their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to be a fool
I used to have mistaken beliefs and behaviors
And think that life was cruel and full of hate
And believe that life is harsh and full of malice
But now I see
But now I understand
Things are not so bad (things are not so bad)
Life is not as terrible as I once thought (it's not so bad)
If only I had had someone to hold my hand like you
If only I had someone to guide and support me like you do
I'd do it then
I would have acted differently then
And now that I am free
And now that I'm liberated
From all that misery and I can smile again
From all the suffering, and now I can experience joy again
'Cause you
Because of you
Came into my life (came into my life)
Entered my life (came into it)
Said you'd be my wife and made me realize that life
Promised to marry me and made me see that life
Is wonderful
Is full of wonder and amazement
I'm so happy now
I am currently experiencing great joy
You changed my life somehow
You have somehow altered my existence
I'm so happy now
I am currently experiencing great joy
I'm so happy now
I am currently experiencing great joy
You changed my life somehow
You have somehow altered my existence
I'm so happy now
I am currently experiencing great joy
Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.