I seem to return periodically in my writing to the theme of taking life one day at a time, of rolling with the punches. Here we go again.
I quote “Makin’ The Best Of A Bad Situation“ written by Dick Feller (aka Deena Kaye Rose) in the early 1970s. Ray Stevens recorded and performed this novelty song, and there is a video posted on YouTube of a terrific live performance by Tom Rush. I quote as well “Keep On The Sunny Side Of Life” – a very different sort of song – which was written in the very late-19th century by Ada Blenkorn with music by J. Howard Entwisle. The Carter family recorded it in 1928, very early in the years of country music recordings; throughout the Family’s years of performing, they played “Sunny Side” as a familiar and uplifting theme song.
© 2024 Steven E. Cutts
a Studio C recording, November 2024
Some days it’s all we can do to keep our nose above the water
and keep paddling toward some distant spit of land.
Not much use to moan and groan; not much choice in where we’re goin’.
At best we’re only second in command.
I can wring my hands when I hear the news, swing down low and play the blues,
but no chance, no way that will change a thing.
Instead I’d rather ring some bells, hear some jokes and laugh like hell,
and open up my heart and lungs and sing.
When stuck with citrus fruit in spades, like lemons, go make lemonade.
Don’t waste the rinds; you can grate them into zest.
When, so to speak, you’ve made your bed, remember what old Dick Feller said:
”Makin’ the best of a bad situation; don’t wanna make waves, can’t you see?”
We sit with friends, whine, and compare our every ache, our loss of hair,
and wonder why our get-up-and-go’s declined.
When you find yourself deterred remember the Carter Family’s words:
“Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side; keep on the sunny side of life.
It will help us every day; it will brighten all the way
if we keep on the sunny side of life.”