Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe

Dave Barbour & His Orchestra, Peggy Lee

About Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe

"Happiness is a Thing Called Joe" is a song composed by Harold Arlen, with lyrics written by Yip Harburg, it was written for the 1943 film musical Cabin in the Sky, recorded by the MGM Studio Orchestra and sung by Ethel Waters. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943 but lost out to “You'll Never Know”. The song has subsequently been recorded by a multitude of artists including Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Nancy Wilson.


Year:
1998
3:06
74 

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Skies ain't gonna cloud no more
The crops ain't gonna fail
Caught a blue bird by the toe
A rainbow by the tail
A certain man with eyes that shine
Voodooed up this heart of mine

It seems like
Happiness is just a thing called Joe
He's got a smile that makes the lilacs want to grow
He's got a way that makes the angels heave a sigh
When they see Little Joe passing by
Sometimes the cabin's gloomy and the table's bare
But when he kisses me it's Christmas everywhere
Troubles fly away and life is easy

Does he love me good?
That's all I need to know

Seems like happiness is just a thing called Joe
Little Joe
Little Joe
Little Joe

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Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 – January 21, 2002) was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and performer. She wrote music for films, acted, and created conceptual record albums—encompassing poetry, jazz, chamber pop, and art songs. more »

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Written by: E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" is a popular song written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg, originally for the 1943 film "Cabin in the Sky."
First Performance
The song was first performed on screen by Ethel Waters who played the character of Petunia Jackson in the film "Cabin in the Sky."
Judy Garland Cover
Judy Garland sang a version of "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" in 1943 as a tribute to her young son, Joe. Her rendition became famous and was later included in her album "Miss Show Business" in 1955.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Version
Ella Fitzgerald, the 'Queen of Jazz', also recorded "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" for her album "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook" released in 1961. The album is a part of a series of eight studio albums Fitzgerald recorded in the late 1950s and early 1960s that covered the complete songbooks of eight different composers.
Nancy Wilson’s Cover
Nancy Wilson, an American singer with more than seventy albums, and three Grammy Awards, also covered "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" in her album "Broadway - My Way" released in 1964.
Peggy Lee’s Interpretation
"Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" was also covered by Peggy Lee, a popular Jazz and pop singer-songwriter. Her version appeared on the soundtrack for the 1957 film "Pete Kelly's Blues" in which she also starred.
Impact on popular culture
The song has been covered by numerous artists in a variety of styles over the years, proving its lasting impact on popular culture. It's often used in compilations, tribute albums, and popular performance repertoires.
Award Nominations
"Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1944 but did not win.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" are often interpreted as a celebration of domestic bliss and an expression of deep love and affection for a person named 'Joe'.
Influence on Other Works
The popularity of the song has led to its incorporation in several films, TV shows, and even other songs, making it an enduring classic in the world of music.

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