Songs of Note: "The Secret of Happiness" from Daddy Long Legs
Spring is in the air and recital season is just around the corner! The song I will be sharing this week is a favorite of mine and is popular with my female students of all ages! “The Secret of Happiness” from Daddy Long Legs by Paul Gordon is a wonderful piece about self-discovery and finding contentment.
Who is this piece for?: “Secret of Happiness” works best for light soprano voices with a decent middle and low voice. The song sits in the middle of the staff for much of the piece, so it wouldn’t be as comfortable for a lower female voice. Some use of the belt voice can be employed, but it works best with mixed voice and could be suitable for girls ages 13 through college age. (But if you love it SING IT!)
About the show: Daddy Long Legs is a musical that made its Off-Broadway debut in 2015, but premiered in 2007 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura County, California. The story is based on the book by the same name by Jean Webster. The show is interesting in that it only requires two singers. Daddy Long Legs is a coming of age story about the orphan Jerusha Abbott and her benefactor Jervis Pendleton who funds Jesrusha’s time in college. Jerusha only learns Pendleton’s true identity as her benefactor at the end of the show. Full synopsis: https://www.mtishows.com/daddy-long-legs
Take a listen:
Lyrics:
I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, Learning how to glide I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, Just enjoy the ride... Don't let your journey be tainted by pride and... I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, not to mourn the past I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, not to run too fast! You can still beat them by coming in last, because, the secret, the secret of happiness is, I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, not to be afraid, I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, all illusions fade! Don't fear the future, you'll just be delayed, cause, The secret, the secret of happiness is, living in the now, Living in the time it takes to blink, I think, is how, we're meant to be living... I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, following my will... I've discovered, the secret of happiness is, that we can run that hill, happiness comes when we learn to be still, and, the secret, the secret of happiness is... the secret of happiness is clear, the secret of happiness is near, the secret of happiness is here... MetroLyrics
Where to buy the music:
Amazon: The Teen Pop Broadway Collection
***Collection contains other great songs such as “Six hours as aPrincess,” and “Waiting”
MP3s: Itunes
Accompaniment Tracks:
Final notes: The entire musical is worth a listen. I especially enjoy “The Oldest Orphan in the John Grier Home,” “Like Other Girls,” and “All This Time.”
