That Lucky Old Sun

Album: That Lucky Old Sun (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This track takes its name from a song written in 1949. Among the many versions recorded were ones by Frankie Laine, (which topped the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart), Vaughn Monroe, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. This is Brian Wilson's interpretation and it was the song's lyrics that inspired him to write the rest of the album. The former Beach Boy explained to The Sun June 19, 2008: "It all spawned from that. I never knew the song but I wanted to hear it. I went and bought Louis Armstrong's version. I played it and learned it and changed the chords round a little bit."
  • The album was written with band member Scott Bennett and his previous collaborator Van Dyke Parks, who Wilson described to The Sun as one of the "great lyricists."
  • Brian Wilson said to Mojo magazine November 2008: "I'm fascinated with the lyrics of that song, about this negro slave who has a hell of a time working in the sun. I think it's a very spiritual song."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.