Nina Simone: “I'll Tell You What Freedom Is to Me. No Fear.” — LeadArt Magazine

About the Song

If there’s one song that encapsulates the sheer joy of living, it’s Nina Simone’s iconic rendition of “Feeling Good”. Released in 1965 as part of her album I Put a Spell on You, this track has become a timeless classic, beloved by generations of music fans.

Simone’s interpretation of “Feeling Good” is a masterclass in vocal expression. Her rich, soulful voice conveys a sense of pure exuberance that is both infectious and uplifting. The song’s simple, repetitive melody provides a perfect backdrop for Simone’s powerful vocals, allowing her to explore the full range of her emotional palette.

One of the most striking aspects of Simone’s performance is her ability to convey a sense of liberation and empowerment. The lyrics, written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, celebrate the feeling of being alive and free from constraint. Simone’s interpretation of these words gives them a new depth and meaning, transforming them into a powerful anthem of self-affirmation.

The song’s arrangement is equally impressive. The driving rhythm section, combined with the lush orchestral accompaniment, creates a sense of grandeur and excitement. The use of brass instruments adds a touch of sophistication, while the soaring strings elevate the music to new heights.

Beyond its musical brilliance, “Feeling Good” has had a profound impact on popular culture. It has been covered by countless artists, from Michael Bublé to Muse, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Nina Simone or simply looking for a great song to lift your spirits, “Feeling Good” is a must-listen. It’s a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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Experience “Feeling Good”

To truly appreciate the magic of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” we invite you to listen to the song and let her timeless voice transport you to a world of emotion and inspiration.

In a world where music has the power to heal and uplift, Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” continues to reign supreme, reminding us that every dawn brings new opportunities, and we can always choose to feel good.

Lyrics: Feeling Good

Birds flyin’ high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze 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
Yeah, it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me, ooooooooh
And I’m feelin’ good

Fish in the sea, you know how I feel
River runnin’ 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 feelin’ 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 feelin’… good

 

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Long before he ever teamed up with Kix Brooks, a young Ronnie Dunn found himself torn between two completely opposite worlds, pulled by a father who lived the honky-tonk life and a mother rooted firmly in the church. Eager to follow a path toward ministry, Dunn enrolled at Abilene Christian College in Texas, fully intending to become a preacher. When the sun went down, however, a very different reality took over. Dunn started slipping out to sing in local honky-tonks around Abilene, discovering an electric connection with crowds that a lecture hall simply couldn’t match. It wasn’t long before the college administration caught wind of his nocturnal habits. Summoned to the dean’s office, Dunn was hit with an ultimatum: abandon the honky-tonk stage or leave school behind. He chose the music. Without any guarantee of future success waiting for him outside, Dunn relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, grinding away on the nightclub circuit for years. He fronted the house band at Duke’s Country during the height of the Urban Cowboy craze and cut a few traditional singles for the independent Churchill label, though national stardom remained stubbornly out of reach. There were plenty of nights he questioned whether walking away from his education meant trading a pulpit for a gas station pump. Everything changed in 1988 when he clinched a win at the Marlboro Talent Search, providing the ticket he and his wife needed to finally move to Nashville. Producer Scott Hendricks worked on his demos, and Arista Nashville chief Tim DuBois saw an entirely different destiny, deciding to pair Dunn up with a struggling Louisiana songwriter named Kix Brooks. Neither man had ever dreamed of sharing a microphone, but the chemistry was instant. Their 1989 debut album, Brand New Man, dropped four consecutive No. 1 singles, setting off an legendary run that yielded forty-one Top 10 country hits, twenty chart-toppers, and the crown as country music’s best-selling duo. Years later, Dunn circled right back to the fork in the road that defined his youth. On his 2022 solo project, 100 Proof Neon, he penned “The Road to Abilene,” reflecting on the strict Texas college, the neon-lit bars, and the kid who packed up his bags to chase a six-string dream. By then, he no longer had to choose between the sacred and the secular; the deep gospel soul lived permanently in his voice, and the rough honky-tonks had taught him exactly how to wield it.