About the song
The song “If You Wanna Be Happy,” famously recorded by Jimmy Soul in 1963, is a lively and humorous piece that encapsulates the essence of 1960s pop music. Originally written by Rafael de Leon and adapted by Joseph Royster, Carmella Guida, and Frank Guida, the track drew inspiration from Roaring Lion’s calypso tune “Ugly Woman” dating back to 1934.
“When You Wanna Be Happy” swiftly rose to the top of the charts, claiming the #1 spot on the Hot 100 and the R&B singles chart on May 18, 1963. Released under Frank Guida’s S.P.Q.R. label and distributed by London Records in the United States, the song coincided with the burgeoning success of The Beatles’ “Please Please Me,” both tracks making significant waves in the music industry during that period.
Clocking in originally at 2:14, the song features an extended fade-out on some later releases. One distinctive aspect towards the end of the track is a playful exchange between Jimmy Soul and a backup singer, reminiscent of the banter from Bo Diddley’s “Say Man.” This dialogue adds a playful charm to the song, showcasing Soul’s dynamic vocal range, including his falsetto counterpoint as the song concludes.
Over the years, “If You Wanna Be Happy” has been revisited by other artists, notably Rocky Sharpe and the Replays in 1983, who brought their own twist to the song, marking their final chart success.
The enduring appeal of “If You Wanna Be Happy” lies not only in its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm but also in its humorous narrative that resonated with audiences of its time and continues to charm listeners today. As a snapshot of 1960s pop culture, the song remains a testament to the era’s vibrant musical landscape and its ability to capture the essence of joy and entertainment in popular music.
Video
Lyrics
Hey, hey, hey, hey
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall
As soon as he married her and then she starts
To do the things that will break his heart
But if you make an ugly woman your wife
Ah you’ll be happy for the rest of your life
An ugly woman cooks meals on time
She’ll always give you peace of mind
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
Don’t let your friends say you have no taste
Go ahead and marry anyway
Though her face is ugly, her eyes don’t match
Take it from me, she’s a better catch
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
Say man! Hey baby!
I saw your wife the other day!
Yeah? Yeah, an’ she’s ugly!
Yeah, she’s ugly, but she sure can cook, baby!
Yeah, alright!
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you