I decided to write a two chord song, if the vein of "Iko Iko" "Ain't No Bugs on Me" etc. I'm thinking of this as a clapping song. In researching two chord songs, I was surprised to find there are a lot more of them than I previously realized. The biggest surprise was "Everyday People" by Sly Stone. There is so much musical interplay in that tune that I never knew how simple it was.
Do your happy dance - two chord song
Why you sitting with that frown - Do your happy dance
It’s time to turn that upside down - Do your happy dance
Wave your arms and move your feet - Do your happy dance
Clap your hands to the beat - Do your happy dance
Do your happy dance Do your happy dance
Do your happy dance
Clap your hands to the beat
Do your happy dance
If you’ve got a bad attitude - Do your happy dance
Fill your heart with gratitude and Do your happy dance
Even if you had a bad day - Do your happy dance
All your problems go away - Do your happy dance
Do your happy dance Do your happy dance
Do your happy dance
All your problems go away
Do your happy dance
Smell the flowers when they bloom - Do your happy dance
Let your joy fill up the room - Do your happy dance
You say you’re lonely feeling blue - Do your happy dance
Ask someone to dance with you - Do your happy dance
Do your happy dance Do your happy dance
Do your happy dance
Ask someone to dance with you
Do your happy dance
*Repeat first verse and chorus
Hi John,
Good start :D I had iko going through my head as I read and it worked fine.
Suggestion
Get a firm idea of who the audience is for this song.
For example the 1st vs would make a great
Preschool song.....if you did that have the other verses focus on the physical activities....
......vs 2 and 3 do not seem to fit that audience. V2 sounds a bit like don't worry be happy philosophy......vs3 seems cliche......so again i think choosing a specific intended audience will bring the lyrics into focus.
Thanks for sharing.
James
I'll second what James shared. A bit more focus could do the trick. Like the fact that you changed up on the chorus lines a bit. Variety within repetition is a good thing.
Neil
Thanks for the comments. I know its awfully packed with cliche. I had 30 minutes to write. Maybe I'll have more time tomorrow
If you decide on the preschool song route, it should be pretty easy to fill out.....focus on physical body actions and think a long the lines of "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" or "Hokey Pokey"
I would leave it mostly as is and not turn it into a kids' song. It does remind me of "Don't worry, be happy." Verse 3 seems like fill. Not necessarily that you should get rid of it, just do some rework. I would start with changing from "If you've got a bad attitude" to "Time to change your attitude." That would also be easier to sing.
Renee
It was never meant as a kids song. I spend a lot of times with folkies and some of them certainly do "Happy Dances".
