On the Sunny Side of the Street
Fats Waller & His Rhythm, Fats Waller
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Walked with no one and talked with no one 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
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Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Origin"On the Sunny Side of the Street" was composed by Jimmy McHugh and the lyrics were written by Dorothy Fields. It's a jazz standard, popularized by artists like Fats Waller, Harry Richman, and Ted Lewis.
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Debut PerformanceThe song was first performed by Harry Richman in the 1930 Broadway show "International Revue".
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Recording HistoryFats Waller, a famous jazz musician and composer, performed an iconic interpretation of this song in 1940, making it one of the classic versions of this jazz standard.
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InfluenceThe song is important in jazz history and has been covered by numerous artists, including Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie.
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RecognitionIn 2004, the song "On the Sunny Side of the Street" was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry, which preserves audio recordings deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States."
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Versatility"On the Sunny Side of the Street" has been interpreted in many different styles, from traditional jazz to big band swing to pop, demonstrating its versatility and enduring popularity.
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Movie AppearanceIt was also featured in the 1951 film "On the Sunny Side of the Street" starring Frankie Laine.
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Ted Lewis' ContributionClarinettist and bandleader Ted Lewis also popularized the song in his performances and recordings.
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Iconic LyricsThe song's lyrics are about choosing a positive outlook and perspective despite challenging circumstances, making it a beloved anthem of optimism.
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Popular CultureIt has also appeared in numerous TV shows, advertisements and films including "It's a Wonderful Life", lending further to its status as a cultural icon.
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Song StructureThe song follows a typical AABA structure, a common form for pop and jazz music during the first half of the 20th century.
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Musical CharacteristicsThe song's melody is noted for its warmth and accessibility, often lauded for its simplicity and effectiveness. The ability to swing or play it straight makes it a popular choice for musicians to showcase their own unique styles.
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LegacyThrough its influence and widespread popularity, "On the Sunny Side of the Street" remains a fundamental part of the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most significant and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century.
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Band PerformancesBands led by the likes of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman also played their own interpretations of the song, contributing to its enduring legacy.
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Sheet Music Sales"On the Sunny Side of the Street" was also quite popular as a sheet music, reflecting the public's interest in playing the song at home or in social settings.
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Citation
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"On the Sunny Side of the Street Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 1 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/944683/Fats+Waller/On+the+Sunny+Side+of+the+Street>.
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