Adam Blatner

Words and Images from the Mind of Adam Blatner

Singin’ for the Fun of It (Songbook)

Originally posted on December 30, 2010

I write about the joys and values of singing on another webpage on this website. Here are some of my favorite songs. This will make a nice little song sheet for get-togethers.

Table of Contents

Accentuate the Positive

Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, “Here Come The Waves,” 1944

You got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mister In-Between.
You got to spread joy up to the maximum, bring gloom down to the minimum,
Have faith, or pandemonium is liable to walk upon the scene.
To illustrate my last remark: Jonah in the Whale, Noah in the Ark–
What did they do, just when everything looked so dark?
“Man,” they said, “We’d better…”
Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mister In-Between.
You got to spread joy up to the maximum, bring gloom down to the minimum,
Have faith, or pandemonium is liable to walk upon the scene.

Amazing Grace

John Newton, @1770

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining like the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.

Ballin’ the Jack

First you put your two knees close up tight,
Then you swing ‘em to the left and you swing ‘em to the right.
Turn around the floor kinda nice and light
And then you twist around and twist around with all of your might.
Spread your lovin’ arms way out in space
And then you do the “Eagle Rock” with style and grace.
Put your left foot out, then bring it back,
Now that’s what I call “Ballin’ the Jack”!!

Blowin’ in the Wind

Bob Dylan, 1962

How many roads must a man walk down, before you call him a man?
(Yes, ‘n…) How many seas must a white dove sail before she sleeps in the sand?
(Yes, ‘n…) How many times must the cannon balls fly before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind, the answer is blowin’ in the wind.

How many times must a man look up Before he can see the sky?
How many ears must one man have Before he can hear people cry?
(Yes, ‘n…)How many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind. The answer is blowin’ in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist before it is washed to the sea?
(Yes, ‘n…) How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free?
(Yes, ‘n…) How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind. The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Don’t Fence Me In

Cole Porter, 1944

Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don’t fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don’t fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evening breeze,
Listen to the murmur of the cotton-wood trees.
Send me off forever, but I ask you please,
Don’t fence me in.

Just turn me loose, let me straddle my old saddle
Underneath the western skies.
On my cayuse, let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains rise.
I want to ride to the ridge where the West commences,
Gaze at the moon till I lose my senses,
Can’t look at hobbles and I can’t stand fences,
Don’t fence me in.

Enjoy Yourself

Herb Magidson; Carl Sigman, 1948
(Chorus:)
Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think. Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink.
The years go by as quickly as a wink. Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think!

You work and work for years and years, you’re always on the go.
You never take a minute off, too busy makin’ dough.
Some day, you say, you’ll have your fun, when you’re a millionaire–
Imagine all the fun you’ll have in your old rockin’ chair!
(Chorus)
You’re gonna take that ocean trip, no matter come what may.
You’ve got your reservations, but you just can’t get away.
Next year for sure you’ll see the world, You’ll really get around–
But how far can you travel when you’re six feet underground?
(Chorus)
Your heart of hearts, your dream of dreams, your ravishing brunette,
She’s left you and she’s now become somebody else’s pet.
Lay down that gun, don’t try, my friend to reach the great beyond–
You’ll have more fun by reachin’ for a redhead or a blonde.
(Chorus)
You never go to nightclubs and you just don’t care to dance.
You don’t have time for silly things like moonlight and romance.
You only think of dollar bills tied neatly in a stack.
But when you kiss a dollar bill, it doesn’t kiss you back.
(Chorus)

Feelin’ Groovy (The 59th Street Bridge Song)

Paul Simon, Art Garfunkle, 1966

Slow down, you’re movin’ too fast, You’ve got to make the mornin’ last.
Just kickin’ down the cobblestones, Lookin’ for fun and feelin’ groovy.
(La da-da da da da da, feelin’ groovy.)

Hello lamp-post, what’cha knowin’? I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’.
Ain’t’cha got no rhymes for me? Doo-itin’ doo-doo, feelin’ groovy.

Got no deeds to do, no promises to keep, I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning-time drop all its petals on me, Life, I love you! All is groovy.
(La da-da da da da da, feelin’ groovy.)

Getting to Know You

Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers, “The King and I,” 1951

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me.
Getting to know you, putting it my way, but nicely: You are precisely my cup of tea.
Getting to know you, getting to feel free and easy.
When I am with you, getting to know what to say.
Haven’t you noticed? Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
Because of all the beautiful and new things I’m learning about you day by day.

The Hammer Song

Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, 1958

If I had a hammer, I’d hammer in the morning.
I’d hammer in the evening all over this land.
I’d hammer out danger, I’d hammer out a warning,
I’d hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters, All…over this land. (Ooh,)

If I had a bell, I’d ring it in the morning.
I’d ring it in the evening all over this land.
I’d ring out danger, I’d ring out a warning,
I’d ring out love between my brothers and my sisters, All…over this land. (Ooh,)

If I had a song, I’d sing it in the morning.
I’d sing it in the evening all over this land.
I’d sing out danger, I’d sing out a warning,
I’d sing out love between my brothers and my sisters, All…over this land. (Ooh,)

Well I’ve got a hammer, and I’ve got a bell,
And I’ve got a song to sing all over this land.
It’s the hammer of justice, it’s the bell of freedom,
It’s the song about love between my brothers and my sisters All…over this land.

Happy Trails

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, till we meet again.

High Hopes

Sammy Cahn; James van Heusen, “Pocketful of Miracles,” 1959

Next time you’re found with your chin on the ground,
There’s a lot to be learned, so look around:
Just what makes that little ol’ ant think he’ll move that rubber tree plant?
Anyone knows an ant can’t move a rubber tree plant!
But he’s got high hopes, he’s got high hopes, he’s got high apple pie in the sky hopes.
So any time you’re gettin’ low, ‘stead of lettin’ go, just remember that ant…
Oops! there goes another rubber tree… Oops! there goes another rubber tree…
Oops! there goes another rubber tree plant!

When troubles call and your back’s to the wall,
There’s a lot to be learned, that wall could fall.
Once there was a silly ol’ ram thought he’d punch a hole in a dam.
No one could make that ram scram, he kept buttin’ that dam.
‘Cause he had high hopes, he had high hopes, he had high apple pie in the sky hopes.
So any time you’re feelin’ bad, ‘stead of feelin’ sad,
Just remember that ram…
Oops! there goes a billion-kilowatt… Oops! there goes a billion-kilowatt…
Oops! there goes a billion-kilowatt dam!

So keep your high hopes, keep your high hopes, Keep those high apple pie in the sky hopes.
A problem’s just a toy balloon, they’ll be bursting soon,
They’re just bound to go “Pop!”
Oops! there goes another problem, Oops! there goes another problem,
Oops! there goes another problem, ker-plop! Ker-plop!

Hey There

Richard Adler, Jerry Ross, “The Pajama Game,” 1952

Hey there, you with the stars in your eyes,
Love never made a fool of you, you used to be too wise.
Hey there, you on that high-flyin’ cloud,
Though (s/)he won’t throw a crumb to you,
You think someday (s/) he’ll come your way.
Better forget him (/her), him with his nose in the air,
(S/)He has you dancing on a string–break it and (s/)he won’t care.
Won’t you take this advice I hand you like a brother,
Or are you not seeing things too clear?
Are you too much in love to hear?
Is it all going in one ear and out the other?

Hernando’s Hideaway

Richard Adler, Jerry Ross, “The Pajama Game” 1952

I know a dark secluded place, A place where no one knows your face,
A glass of wine, a fast embrace,
It’s called “Hernando’s Hideaway!” Olé!
All you see are silhouettes, and all you hear are castanets,
And no one cares how late it gets, not at Hernando’s Hideaway!
(Hum hum, hum hum, hum hum, hum hum hum, hum-hum-hum)
At the Golden Fingerbowl or any place you go,
(Hum hum, hum hum, hum hum, hum hum hum, hum-hum-hum)
You will meet your Uncle Max and everyone you know.
(Hum hum, hum hum, hum hum, hum hum hum, hum-hum-hum)
But if you go to this place that I am thinking of,
(Hum hum hum hum) You will be free
(Hum hum hum hum) To gaze at me, and talk of lo—-ve.
Just knock three times and whisper low
That you and I were sent by Joe;
Then strike a match and you will know
You’re in Hernando’s Hideaway! (O—lay!)

The Impossible Dream

Joe Darion, Mitch Leigh, “Man of La Mancha,” 1966

To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow, to run where the brave dare not go. To right the unrightable wrong; to love, pure and chaste from afar,
To try, when your arms are too weary, to reach the unreachable star.
This is my quest, to follow that star,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far;
To fight for the right without question or pause,
To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause!
And I know, if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest,
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I’m laid to my rest.
And the world will be better for this:
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove with his last ounce of courage,
To reach the unreachable stars!

I Whistle a Happy Tune

Oscar Hammerstein II; Richard Rodgers
“The King and I,” 1951

Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune, so no one will suspect I’m afraid.
While shivering in my shoes, I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune, and no one ever knows I’m afraid.
The result of this deception is very strange to tell,
For when I fool the people I fear, I fool myself as well!
I whistle a happy tune, and every single time
The happiness in the tune convinces me that I’m not afraid.
Make believe you’re brave, and the trick will take you far:
You may be as brave as you make believe you are!

New York, New York

Betty Comden, Adolph Green, L. Bernstein, 1945
(Popularized by Frank Sinatra)

Start spreadin’ the news, I’m leavin’ today, I want to be a part of it: New York, New York.
These vagabond shoes are goin’ to stray,
And step around the heart of it, New York, New York.
I want to wake up in the city that doesn’t sleep, And find I’m king of the hill, top of the heap.
These little town blues are melting away,
I’ll make a brand new start of it in old New York.
If I can make it there I’ll make it anywhere, It’s up to you New York, New York!

Over the Rainbow

E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen, “The Wizard of Oz,” 1938

Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high,
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullabye.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon-drops,
Away above the chimney-tops, that’s where you’ll find me.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow, why, then, oh why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can’t I?

Puff, The Magic Dragon

Peter Yarrow, Leonard Lipton, 1963

Puff, The Magic Dragon lived by the sea,
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee.
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. Oh,
(Chorus):
Puff, The Magic Dragon lived by the sea,
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee.
Puff, The Magic Dragon lived by the sea,
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee.

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sails.
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff’s gigantic tail.
Noble kings and princes would bow whene’re they came.
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puffed roared out his name. Oh,
(Chorus)
A dragon lives forever, but not so little boys.
Painted things and giant’s wings make way for other toys.
One gray night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more,
And Puff, that Magic Dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain.
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave,
So Puff, that Mighty Dragon sadly slipped into his cave. Oh,
(Chorus)

The Rose

Amanda McBroom, 1977

Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless, aching need.
I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed.

It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance.
It’s the dream afraid of waking that never takes a chance.
It’s the one who won’t be taken who cannot seem to give,
And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long;
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong;
Just remember, in the winter, far beneath the bitter snows,
Lies a seed that, with the Sun’s love, in the Spring becomes a rose.

Sing

Joe Raposo, “Sesame Street,” 1971

Sing! Sing a song. Sing out loud. Sing out strong.
Sing of good things, not bad. Sing of happy, not sad.
Sing. Sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long.
Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear,
Just sing. Sing a song!

Sing. Sing a song. Let the world sing along.
Sing the love there could be. Sing for you and for me.
Sing. Sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long.
Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear,
Just sing. Sing a song!

Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on The Roof)

Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play?
I don’t remember getting older. When did they?
When did she grow to be a beauty? When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn’t it yesterday that they were small?
(Chorus:)
Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset, swiftly flow the days.
Seedlings grow overnight to sunflowers, Blossoming even as we gaze.
Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset, swiftly flow the years.
One season following another, Laden with happiness and tears.

What words of wisdom can I give them, How can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another, day by day.
They look so beautiful together, Just like a bride and groom should be.
Is there a canopy in store for me?
(Chorus)
Now is the little boy a bridegroom, Now is the little girl a bride,
Under the canopy I see them, side by side.
Place the gold ring around her finger, Share the sweet wine and break the glass.
Soon the full circle will have come to pass.
(Chorus)

Summertime

DuBose Heyward, George Gershwin, 1935, “Porgy & Bess”

Summertime and the livin’ is easy, Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high.
Oh, yo’ daddy’s rich, an’ yo’ mama’s good-lookin,’
So hush, little baby, don’ you cry.
One of these mornin’s you goin’ to rise up singin’,
Then you’ll spread yo’ wings an’ you’ll take to the sky.
(But) Until that mornin’ there’s nothin’ can harm you
With Daddy an’ Mammy standing by.

 Those Were the Days

Gene Raskin, 1962

Once upon a time there was a tavern where we used to raise a glass or two.
Remember how we’d laugh away the hours, and think of all the great things we would do?…
(Chorus:)
Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end,
We’d sing and dance forever and a day.
We’d live the life we choose, we’d fight and never lose,
Those were the days, oh, yes, those were the days! La da da dadada, la da da dadada…

Then the busy years went rushing by us; We lost our starry notions on the way.
If by chance I’d see you in the tavern, We’d smile at one another and we’d say: (Chorus)

Just tonight I stood before the tavern; Nothing seemed the way it used to be.
In the glass I saw a strange reflection: Was that lonely person really me?
Through the door there came familiar laughter; I saw your face and heard you call my name.
Oh, my friend, we’re older but no wiser, For in our hearts the dreams are still the same: (Chorus)

Side by Side

Harry Woods, 1927

Oh, we ain’t got a barrel of money, maybe we’re ragged and funny,
But we’ll travel along, singing a song, side by side.
Don’t know what’s comin’ tomorrow, maybe it’s trouble and sorrow,
But we’ll travel the road, sharing our load, side by side.

Through all kinds of weather–what if the sky should fall?
Just as long as we’re together, it really doesn’t matter at all!
When they’ve all had their quarrels and parted, We’ll be the same as we started,
Just travelin’ along, singing a song, side by side.

Swinging on a Star

Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen, “Going My Way,” 1944

(Chorus:)
Oh, would you like to swing on a star? Carry moonbeams home in a jar?
And be better off than you are? Or would you rather be a mule?

A mule is an animal with long funny ears, Kicks up at anything he hears.
His back is brawny but his brain is weak, He’s just plain stupid with a stubborn streak.
And by the way, if you hate to go to school, You may grow up to be a mule!
(Chorus..1st 3 lines)
..Or would you rather be a pig?

A pig is an animal with dirt on his face–His shoes are a terrible disgrace!
He has no manners when he eats his food, He’s fat and lazy and extremely rude.
But if you don’t care a feather or a fig, You may grow up to be a pig!
(Chorus..1st 3 lines) ..Or would you rather be a fish?

A fish won’t do anything but swim in a brook–He can’t write his name or read a book.
To fool the people is his only thought, And though he’s slippery he still gets caught.
But then, if that sort of life is what you wish, You may grow up to be a fish!
And all the monkeys aren’t in the zoo. Every day you’ll meet quite a few.
So you see, it’s all up to you: You can be better than you are.
You could be swingin’ on a star! You could be swingin’ on a star!

Show Me the Way To Go Home

Irving King, 1925

Show me the way to go home, I’m tired and I want to go to bed.
I had a little drink about an hour ago and it went right to my head.
Wherever I may roam, on land or sea or foam,
You can always hear me singing this song:
Show me the way to go home!

(Pretentious version:)
Indicate the way to my habitual abode, I’m fatigued and desire to retire.
I had a small apertif about 60 minutes ago, and it went right to my cerebellum
Wherever I may perambulate, on terra firma, aqua, or emulsified air,
You can always hear me chanting this ditty,
Indicate the way to my habitual abode.

With a Little Help From My Friends

John Lennon, Paul McCartney (“The Beatles”), 1967

What would you do if I sang out of tune, Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song, And I’ll try not to sing out of key:
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.

What do I do when my love is away? Does it worry you to be alone?
How do I feel by the end of the day? Are you sad because you’re on your own?
No, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.
Do you need anybody? I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody? I want somebody to love.

Would you believe in a love at first sight? Yes, I’m certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light? I can’t tell you but I know it’s mine.
No, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.

Do you need anybody? I just need someone to love. Could it be anybody? I want somebody to love.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.
Oh, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends, With a little help from my friends….

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

(Chorus:) Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home (x2).

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see? Comin’ for to carry me home,
A band of angels comin’ after me, Comin’ for to carry me home. (Chorus)

Well, if you get to heaven before I do, Comin’ for to carry me home,
Just tell all my friends I’m comin’ after you,
Comin’ for to carry me home. (Chorus)

I’m sometimes up and sometimes down, Comin’ for to carry me home.
But still my soul feels heavenly bound, Comin’ for to carry me home. (Chorus

Wouldn’t it Be Loverly

Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Lowe, “My Fair Lady,” 1956

All I want is a room somewhere, Far away from the cold night air,
With one enormous chair; Oh, wouldn’t it be loverly?
Lots of chocolate for me to eat; Lots of coal makin’ lots of heat;
Warm face, warm hands, warm feet, oh, wouldn’t it be loverly?
Oh, so loverly sittin’ abso-bloomin’-lutely still!
I would never budge ’til spring crept over the window-sill!
Someone’s head restin’ on my knee, Warm and tender as he can be,
Who takes good care of me, Oh, wouldn’t it be loverly?
Loverly! Loverly! Loverly! Loverly!

The Whiffenpoof Song

Meade Minnigerode, George S. Pomeroy, Tod B. Galloway
(revised by Rudy Vallee, 1936)

To the tables down at Mory’s, to the place where Louis dwells,
To the dear old Temple Bar we love so well,
Sing the Whiffenpoofs assembled with their glasses raised on high,
And the magic of their singing casts its spell.
Yes, the magic of their singing of the songs we know so well:
“Shall I, Wasting,” and “Mavoureen,” and the rest;
We will serenade our Louis, while life and voice shall last,
Then we’ll pass and be forgotten with the rest.
We’re poor little lambs who have lost our way, Baa, Baa, Baa.
We’re little black sheep who have gone astray, Baa, Baa, Baa.
Gentlemen songsters off on a spree, Doomed from here to eternity;
Lord, have mercy on such as we: Baa, Baa, Baa.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

Ray Gilbert, Allie Wrubel, 1945
(Walt Disney’s “Song of the South”)

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! My, oh my, what a wonderful day!
Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way, Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!
Mister Bluebird’s on my shoulder.
It’s the truth! It’s actual! Everything is satisfactual!
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! Wonderful feelin’, wonderful day!

Young At Heart

Carolyn Leigh, Johnny Richards, 1954

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, If you’re young at heart.
And it’s hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind, If you’re young at heart.
You can go to extremes with impossible schemes,
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams,
And life gets more exciting with each passing day,
And love is either in your heart or on its way.

Don’t you know it is worth every treasure on earth to be young at heart?
And as rich as you are, it’s much better by far to be young at heart.
And if you should survive to a hundred and five,
Look at all you’ll derive out of being alive;
And here is the best part: You’ve had a head start,
If you are among the very young at heart.

Yellow Submarine

John Lennon, Paul McCartney (“The Beatles”), 1966

In the town where I was born lived a man who sailed the sea.
And he told us of his life in the land of submarines.
So we sailed up to the sun till we found the sea of green,
And we lived beneath the waves in our yellow submarine.
(Chorus:)
We all live in a yellow submarine, Yellow submarine, yellow submarine.
We all live in a yellow submarine, Yellow submarine, yellow submarine.

And our friends are all on board, many more of them live next door.
And the band begins to play: du du du du, da du, da du,
Du du du du, da du, da du.
(Chorus:)
As we live a life of ease, every one of us has all we need:
Sky of blue and sea of green, in our yellow submarine.
(Chorus:) (x2)

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