Songs That Express Your Philosophy of Life

[HadleyH]

Hadley, which Cole Porter song are those lyrics from?

It's from an unpublished piece titled "Poor Young Millionaire" (1920)

You see Praire Dog, boredom was his problem , too bad for him [huh] . One of the greatest of all popular songs, written in 1934, opens with these lines:


"my story is too much too sad to be told,
but practically everything leaves me totally cold
the only exception i know is the case
when I'm out on a quiet spree
fighting vainly the old ennui
and i suddenly turn and see
your fabulous face."

wow!!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

One of the greatest of all popular songs, written in 1934, opens with these lines:
"my story is too much too sad to be told,
but practically everything leaves me totally cold
the only exception i know is the case
when I'm out on a quiet spree
fighting vainly the old ennui
and i suddenly turn and see
your fabulous face."

That's the opening to Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out of You".
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XLqnB_l4IKs

 

[HadleyH]

That's the opening to Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out of You".
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XLqnB_l4IKs

OMG!!!!!! YES!!!!!!! Exactly right! :eusa_clap
Thank you for that PD
Yep. That's one of his best songs! Way to go Cole!!!

 

[Mark from Plano]

This thread reminds me of the line Dudley Moore had in the movie "10". He plays a songwriter and is lamenting the death of great music in modern culture.

He says something to the effect that, "when some young couple of today is in their old age and hears a song playing on the radio and she turns to him and says 'they're playing our song', do you know what will be playing? 'Why Don't we Do it in the Road'."

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kj0XAINQDEk

 

[byronic]

'Easy come, easy go' as performed by the late, great Al bowlly. i'm afraid i can't locate the disc at the moment, so the songwriter- and most of the lyrics!- escape me for the time being, but part of it stands out in my mind:
'easy come, easy go,
here we are, so darling au revoir,
it's easy come, easy go'
or perhaps 'Every night about this time', i know this belongs to the Inkspots, but i love Anne Sheltons rendition, and the deep, heartfelt timbre of her voice:
'and whenever they croon, our favourite tune,
a tear falls with every line, oh how i miss you,
every night about this time'

 

[Paisley]

That's Life

That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June.

I said that's life, and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks,
Stompin' on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down,
'Cause this fine ol' world it keeps spinning around

I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.

That's life
I tell ya, I can't deny it,
I thought of quitting baby,
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it.
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try,
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly

I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself laying flat on my face,
I just pick myself up and get back in the race

That's life
That's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out
But my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shakin' come this here july
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, My


My Way

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.

I've lived a life that's full.
I've traveled each and ev'ry highway;
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I've had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I've loved, I've laughed and cried.
I've had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
"No, oh no not me,
I did it my way".

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

 

[Chas]

There are many, many songs. I refer to any number of songs, each adressing various aspects of the human experience.

Love & Longing: Cole Porter's "Night & Day"

Loss & Grief: Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)

Heartbreak:Teardrops From My Eyes

Joy : Big Joe Turner's "Feelin' Happy" or Oke-She-Mope-She-Mop

What's The Word? Thunderbird!

Having Sex: Keep On Churnin' (Til The Butter Comes)

Chasin' Down Vintage:Jack, That Cat Was Clean

Getting Drunk (hey, it happens) - One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer

I'm primarily (musically speaking) a Blues/R&B Saxophonist & blues shouter, so I refer to the Blues, generally for expressing myself musically.

 

[vitanola]

That's a great song! One of my favorite Sinatra tunes.

M8

"The Sunny Side of the Street" a Sinatra tune?

What about Harry Richman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKsOTyX8ThY

Or Al Jolson

Or Sid Garry?


Sinatra doesn't even bother to attempt the verse:

"I 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 worries blew away
when you taught me how to say:

Grab your coat..."

 

[vitanola]

Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight

just about expresses my philosophy.

I'm so happy!
Happy-go-lucky me!
I just go my way,
living every day.

I don't worry,
worrying don't agree.
Winter, fall, and Spring
I just smile and sing:

Things that bother you never bother me
I think everything's fine!
Living in the Sunlight,
Living in the Moonlight,
Having a wonderful time!

Haven't got a lot,
I don't need a lot,
Coffee's only a dime!
Living in the Sunlight,
Living in the Moonlight,
Having a wonderful time!

Just take it from me
I'm just as free as any dove.
I do what I like,
Just when I like,
And how I LOVE it!

I don't give a hoot,
Give my cares a boot,
All the world is in rhyme
Living in the Sunlight,
Loving in the moonlight
having a wonderful time!

Of course, at my age, there is a bit less "loving in the moonlight", but I'm still having a wonderful time!

Chevalier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W1dpAkIkc0

Henry De Winter (with the Bratislava Hot Serenaders):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f88jL13laZA&feature=related

Bing Crosby (with the Whiteman Orchestra):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7J8SoLlzfs&feature=related

 

[Sunny]

Truth to tell, Handel's Messiah comes most apt to mind:

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand
at the latter day upon the earth.
And though worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God.
For now is Christ risen from the dead,
the first fruits of them that sleep.

If God be for us, who can be against us?
Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth?
It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
and hath redeemed us to God by his blood,
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him
that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb,
for ever and ever. Amen.

 

[Brinybay]

The Sunny side of the street

Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the doorstep
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street

Cant you hear the pitter-pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be complete
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But Im not afraid...this rover? s crossed over

If I never had a cent
Id be rich as rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with them blues on parade
Now Im not afraid... this rover has crossed over

Now if I never made one cent
I? ll still be rich as rockefeller
There will be goldust at my feet
On the sunny
On the sunny, sunny side of the street

Here's the Clarence Williams version:
Clarence Williams - On the Sunny Side of the Street

 

[carter]

From Bye, Bye Birdie

Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It's not your style;
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Ya' decide to smile!
Pick out a pleasant outlook,
Stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that "full of doubt" look,
Slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Just put on a happy face!
Put on a happy face
Put on a happy face
And if you're feeling cross and bitterish
Don't sit and whine
Think of banana split and licorice
And you'll feel fine
I knew a girl so glooming
She'd never laugh or sing
She wouldn't listen to me
Now she's a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face
So, put on a happy face

 

[carter]

From 1954 - 1st recorded by Perry Como

Papa Loves Mambo

[instrumental opening]

Unh!

Papa loves mambo!
Mamma loves mambo!
Look at ‘em sway with it,
Gettin’ so gay with it,
Shoutin’ Olé with it, Wow!

Unh!

Papa loves mambo! ( Papa loves mambo! )
Mamma loves mambo! ( Mamma loves mambo! )
Papa does great with it,
Swings like a gate with it,
He loses weight with it, Now!

He goes to, she goes fro,
He goes fast, she goes slow,
He goes left, an’ she goes right!

Papa’s lookin’ for Mamma,
But Mamma is nowhere in sight!

Unh!

Papa loves mambo!
Mamma loves mambo!
Havin’ their fling again,
Younger than spring again,
Feelin’ that zing again, Wow!

Unh!

Papa loves mambo! ( Papa loves mambo! )
Mamma loves mambo! ( Mamma loves mambo! )
Don’t play the rumba an’ don’t play the samba,
‘Cause Papa loves mambo, tonight!

Unh!

Papa loves mambo!
Mamma loves mambo!

[instrumental break]

Papa loves mambo!
Mamma loves mambo!

He goes to, she goes fro',
He goes fast, she goes slow,
He goes left, an’ she goes right!

Papa’s lookin’ for Mamma,
But Mamma is nowhere in sight!

Unh!

Papa loves mambo! ( Papa loves mambo! )
Mamma loves mambo! ( Mamma loves mambo! )
Havin’ their fling again,
Younger than spring again,
Feelin’ that zing again, Wow!

Unh!

( Papa loves mambo! ) Mambo Papa!
( Mamma loves mambo! ) Mambo Mamma!
Don’t play the rumba an’ don’t play the samba,
‘Cause Papa! Papa mambo, tonight!

Unh!

Words and Music by Al Hoffman, Dick Manning and Bix Reichner 1954

http://kokomo.ca/early_years/papa_loves_mambo_story.htm

 

[Dixon Cannon]

'One Day Soon' - Burton Cummings 1990

One day soon
We'll understand
Before we've gone too far
One day soon
We're meant to see
Exactly who we are

One day soon
We'll understand
When the story's told
One day soon
We're bound to know
It will all unfold

Fight for what's right and
For what you've been given
Chase the disbelievers away
One day soon
Our light will shine
We will find our way

We have the means and
We have the powers
We can chase
The dark side away
One day soon
Our light will shine
We will find our way

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Whoops!

Forgot I posted that song this time last year! I thought this was a new thread. Let me substitute; 'Working Class Hero' by John Ono Lennon then!

-dixon cannon

 

[lizylou]

We must have the same taste in music

Which song expresses your philosophy of life?

For me it would have to be the Charlie Chaplin/Geoff Parsons/John Turner golden chestnut, "Smile".

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fears and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

Both songs you mentioned are on my list, but I do love Nina Simone's and Michael Buble's: Feelin' Good http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w3BH9hKNPoI
It reminds me of a strip tease kinda song! Not that I would do that

 

[vitanola]

'Easy come, easy go' as performed by the late, great Al bowlly. i'm afraid i can't locate the disc at the moment, so the songwriter- and most of the lyrics!- escape me for the time being, but part of it stands out in my mind:
'easy come, easy go,
here we are, so darling au revoir,
it's easy come, easy go'
or perhaps 'Every night about this time', i know this belongs to the Inkspots, but i love Anne Sheltons rendition, and the deep, heartfelt timbre of her voice:
'and whenever they croon, our favourite tune,
a tear falls with every line, oh how i miss you,
every night about this time'

Nice, but when I was your age, Mr. Byronic, my attitude could be more aptly expressed with an earlier, "hotter" "easy"song:

"Come Easy, Go Easy Love"

You can have your steady cooin'
I'm as free as birds above
With the brand new, modern wooing
Come easy, go easy love!

Never brings you care or sorrow,
That's the love I'm thinking of
Here today, and gone tomorrow
Come easy, go easy love!

Not the kind to bring regret for kissing.
Not the kind to bring you pain while reminiscing.
Who wants one society
if happiness you're thinking of?
you can have variety with
Come easy, go easy love!

Sonny Clapp, 1931, with vocal refrain by Hoagy Carmichael:

http://www.redhotjazz.com/clapp.html

Sonny Clapp's orchestra, 1931, from the short subject "Harlem Revue"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQp305oAHOU

 

[tuppence]

The Sunny side of the street

Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the doorstep
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street

Cant you hear the pitter-pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be complete
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But Im not afraid...this rover? s crossed over

If I never had a cent
Id be rich as rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with them blues on parade
Now Im not afraid... this rover has crossed over

Now if I never made one cent
I? ll still be rich as rockefeller
There will be goldust at my feet
On the sunny
On the sunny, sunny side of the street

lol This is my dogs walking song
when I sing this he gets excited
because he knows he's going walkies

 

[olive bleu]

Reach for tomorrow
today belongs to the past
the golden hopes of your yesterdays
can all be yours at last

Reach for tomorrow
and keep your head in the sky
you may get hurt
in a thousand ways
but give it one more try

Have no regret about
forget about
the chances you missed
in days to come
I know there's something
better than this

Reach for tomorrow
and keep your dreams ever new
no matter how many times it seems
that dreams are not for you

Reach for tomorrow
And make them all come...true

-Ella Fitzgerald