The Greatest Oldies Music

Oldies Musics

Nina Simone – Feeling Good

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.

Nina Simone's 20 greatest songs – ranked! | Nina Simone | The Guardian

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 the iron gates of Graceland, Hollywood spotlights, and hysterical fans, a young Elvis was soaking in every musical current around him in Tupelo, Mississippi. He listened to spiritual gospel in church, traditional country tunes, and the raw rhythm and blues of Black artists that ultimately molded his artistic DNA. Those diverse sounds seeped straight into his soul. Decades later, when he stepped up to a microphone, it rarely felt like a standard performance—instead, it seemed as though he was completely breathing and living inside the music.

In his twilight years, Elvis Presley found himself trapped in a heartbreaking paradox. While roaring crowds would leap to their feet the second he stepped on stage, the moment the show ended, he retreated to a physical shell that was quietly failing him. Chronic exhaustion, deep-seated health struggles, insomnia, and an overreliance on prescription drugs had woven a web of declining well-being. The titan the world viewed as larger than life was revealing an intensely vulnerable, fragile humanity.

While other vocalists boasted flawless technique or the ability to hit breathtaking high notes, Elvis Presley was gifted with an uncoachable magic. His voice possessed a chameleon-like quality, shifting its character in a heartbeat. It could ooze mischief and menace one second, melt into tender vulnerability the next, and then swell with enough force to command a massive stadium. You didn’t even need to catch a glimpse of him to recognize that unmistakable sound.

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