WKC Induction Task- Leah Bradshaw

Feeling Good

-Written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse

-Written for the 1965 Broadway Musical " The Roar of the Greasepaint- The Smell of the Crowd"
-Covered by many artists including Muse, Michael Bublé, The Pussycat Dolls, George Michael, Frank Sinatra

-The most famous cover of this song was done by Nina Simone in 1965 which then went on to feature in the soundtracks of various films.
-The song has a strong message of joy and contentment after hard times have passed.

Premise of "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd"
This 1965 Broadway musical set out to explore the maintenance and difference of upper and lower classes. There are two main character, 'Cocky' and 'Sir', however the song "feeling good" was sung by the character "the negro" as he wins at "the game of life" and enjoys his moment of triumph.
The character 'Cocky' seems to always fall short of winning to "Sir", due to the fact he always plays by the rules. Cocky is from more of a lower class background however Sir is very much upper class and he wins by making his own rules. Sir is part of the 'haves' and Cocky is part of the 'have-nots'. When Cocky meets the newly introduced "negro" in Act 2 they join forces to beat Sir at the game.

The meaning of the lyrics
"Life has its dark and bright moments. However, you can only realize its full potential if youre bold enough to triumph over hardships. Nina reminds us that the sun must always rise and it is only when you've accepted the losses in your life that you can then be free to live in your successes. It's like being free"
(quote from https://www.lyricinterpretations.com/nina-simone/i-feel-good )



Lyrics


[Intro]
Birds flying high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel

[Refrain]
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me, yeah
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me, ooh
And I'm feeling good

[Verse 1]
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

[Refrain]
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me
And I'm feeling good

[Verse 2]
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

[Bridge]
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

[Refrain]
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me

[Outro]
I'm feeling good!

A performance of "feeling good"
 in "Roar of the Greasepaint"

Nina Simone version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHs98TEYecM

Original Broadway recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pulEa0cfNcw

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Roar_of_the_Greasepaint_–_The_Smell_of_the_Crowd

http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/music/the-roar-of-the-greasepaint-the-smell-of-the-crowd-1965/

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=8996