Are You Havin' Any Fun?

Count Basie, Tony Bennett

About Are You Havin' Any Fun?

"Are You Havin' Any Fun?" is a song with lyrics by Jack Yellen and music by Sammy Fain. It featured in the Broadway review series George White's Scandals in 1939. A popular recording in 1939 was by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra (vocal by Edythe Wright). Elaine Stritch's recording from her 1956 album Stritch featured in a UK advertising campaign on YouTube for P&O Cruises from December 2013. Tony Bennett recorded the song on his 1959 album Strike Up the Band with Count Basie, and this version is featured in the 2012 film Quartet. In 2006 Bennett re-recorded the song for his album Duets: An American Classic as a duet with Elvis Costello. 


Year:
2007
2:46
93 
#2

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Hey fellow with a million smackers
And nervous indigestion
Rich fellow, eats milk and crackers
I'll ask you one question
You silly so and so
With all your dough

Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?

Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun

After the honey's in the cone
Little bees go out and play
Even the old gray mare down home
Has got to have hay, hey!

You better have some fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and gray, feel okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!

Why do you work and slave and save?
Life is full of ifs and buts
You know the squirrels save and save
And what have they got, nuts!

Better have a little fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and gray, still okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Are you havin' any fun?

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Count Basie

William "Count" Basie (August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. His mother first taught him piano and he started performing in his teens. Dropping out of school, he learned to operate lights for vaudeville and improvised to accompany silent films at a local theatre in his town of Red Bank, New Jersey. By 16, he increasingly played jazz piano at parties, resorts and other venues. In 1924, he went to Harlem, where his performing career expanded; he toured with groups to the major jazz cities of Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. In 1929 he joined Bennie Moten's band in Kansas City, and played with them until Moten's death in 1935. more »

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Written by: JACK YELLEN, SAMMY FAIN

Lyrics © JACK YELLEN MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Are You Havin' Any Fun?" is an American popular song composed by Sammy Fain with lyrics penned by Jack Yellen. This song was initially written for the Broadway musical "George White's Scandals of 1939," but it gained prominence when performed by Count Basie.
Count Basie Version
Count Basie's interpretation of the song allowed the tune to reach a wider audience. His jazzy, upbeat rendition with a swinging rhythm made the song a favorite among jazz aficionados.
Big Band Era
Count Basie's version of "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" is a perfect representation of the Big Band Era's sound, in which large ensembles used to play swing music. Basie was one of the key figures in this era.
Count Basie Orchestra
The Count Basie Orchestra, which performed "Are You Havin' Any Fun?", is one of the most prominent big jazz bands. It was founded by Count Basie in 1935 and continues to perform to this day, long after Basie's death in 1984.
Sammy Fain & Jack Yellen
Sammy Fain, the song's composer, and Jack Yellen, the lyricist, were both prolific figures in the American music scene, contributing to many popular films and Broadway musicals in addition to "George White's Scandals of 1939."
Multiple Cover Versions
Aside from Count Basie, other notable musicians such as George Shearing, Tony Bennett, and Rosemary Clooney have also covered "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" This is a testament to the song's timeless appeal.
Grammy Hall of Fame
Count Basie's music, including his version of "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" contributed significantly to his induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was honored posthumously in 1998 for his lifetime achievements and contributions to the field of recording.
Importance in Musicals
The song "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" has been used in many different formats over the years, ranging from stage musicals like "George White's Scandals" to feature films and television soundtracks.
Signature Style
The song perfectly encapsulates Count Basie's signature piano style—spontaneous, light, and characterized by staccato comping. This unique style brought a refreshing zest to "Are You Havin' Any Fun?"
Cultural Impact
The song's light-hearted, optimistic lyrics and uplifting rhythm encourage listeners to embrace fun and live in the moment, making it a beloved tune during trying times. It has had a significant cultural impact and is seen as a classic of the Big Band Era.

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