I was just thinking about these lyrics today (perhaps because I’m writing lyrics that are oh-so-difficult and complicated). The simplicity and metaphoric and literal clarity of this lyric makes me sigh with contented joy – as does Nina Simone’s brilliant arrangement and recording of it.
Birds flying high, you know how I feel.
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel.
Reeds driftin on by, you know how I feel.
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day.
It’s a new life for me.
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day.
Its a new life for me.
Ooh and I’m feeling good.
Fish in the sea, you know how I feel.
River running free, you know how I feel.
Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel.
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day.
It’s a new life for me.
And I’m feeling good.
Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don’t you know?
Butterflies all havin fun, you know what I mean.
Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean.
And this old world is a new world and a bold world for me.
Stars when you shine, you know how I feel.
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel.
Oh freedom is mine and I know how I feel.
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day.
It’s a new life for me.
And I’m feeling good.
Now for the embarrassing part, this lyric was written at least in part by one of the lyricists I most often rib when I’m talking about bad lyrics. I didn’t know this until I looked up the information today. It seems that this lyric was originally from The Roar of the Greasepaint – the Smell of the Crowd and was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Is’t possible that Leslie wrote this AS WELL AS “The world has lost its head / And every evil hour is filled with dread / I’m floating on a lake but upside down / And when I try to breathe, I start to drown”???
Say it ain’t so!
