Sunday, February 14, 2016

Billie Holiday - 'When You're Smiling'

I enjoy listening to jazz and blues from the old days.
Jazz and blues has had a strong following and influence in Japan as well.


Billie Holiday is one of the best singers in American history and a personal favorite of mine.
February is "Black History Month" in the U.S.A. 
Actually, American History IS Black History, from the very beginning when slaves were brought to the "new world" in chains.

This is a painful side of American history which can be heard in the music of artists like Billie Holiday and the many, many other great Jazz and Blues musicians and singers. 
Songs like 'Gloomy Sunday' and 'Strange Fruit' are good examples of music that really pierces the heart when Billie sings them.


On the positive side we have songs like 'When You're Smiling' 

Music is a great way to practice your English language skills by listening, reading the lyrics, and practicing singing along to get the rhythm and accent.

Click on the image below to hear the song.
Remember, "practice makes perfect." So be sure to listen, read and sing many times!



When You're Smiling


When you're smiling
When you're smiling
The whole world smiles with you
When you're laughing
When you're laughing
The sun comes shining through
But when you're crying
You bring on the rain
So stop your sighing be happy again
Keep on smiling
'Cause when you're smiling
The whole world smiles with you



Songwriters
Goodwin, Joe / Shay, Larry / Fisher, Mark

Published by
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, THE SONGWRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA