ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE- A SONG THAT PROMOTES THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO LIFE

Accentuate The Positive-A Song That Promotes The Right Attitude To Life:  Many of the songs already posted on this blog deal with the myriad sorrows of loves lost or disappointments in human relationships. Admittedly, those are aspects of life that are real. However,it is also refreshing to have a song that extolls the virtues of dealing positively with whatever misfortunes confront us. In 1944, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, combined to write an infectious, up-beat song for the movie " Here Come The Waves". The verse demands that people " Gather 'Round Me Everybody, Gather 'Round Me While I Preach Some, Feel a Sermon coming on Me,etc." and concludes with " While I Start Review -in, the Attitude of Doin Right !"

The  " preaching"  starts in earnest like an old-time revival meeting. By accentuating the positive, you eliminate the negative and " Latch on To The Affirmative and Don't Mess With Mr. In Between."  Throughout the song, we are urged not to give in to misfortune and " To Have Faith Or Pandemonium's  liable to Walk Upon The Scene"

The song draws upon Black American musical traditions and the kind of strength that Black Americans have relied upon from their own  spirituals, a foundation of their church and community traditions.

The first version is a live performance by Barbara Cook,  from Atlanta, Georgia. Now 86, and still going strong, her energetic and rollicking performance is a perfect enactment of the message of the song-get out there and do battle with self-doubt and defeatism. Barbara Cook herself has gone through a series of professional and personal disappointments only to emerge stronger, more confident and helping to perpetuate the rich legacy of The Great American Songbook.

The second version is sung by Johnny Mercer, lyricist and fine performer of his own material. Steeped in the musical traditions of the Deep South and raised in Savannah Georgia, he also embodies an outlook on life that is life affirming.

LINK: BARBARA COOK: http://youtu.be/bYim922qC0Y

LINK: JOHNNY MERCER:  http://youtu.be/f3jdbFOidds