September 17, 2016 (Saturday)
Keep On the Sunny Side is not as much a hymn as it is a popular song. It was written in 1899 by Ada Blenkhorn with music by J. Howard Entwisle. The Carter Family made a recording of the song in 1928 which became their radio program’s theme song. At the end of this blog is a link to You Tube and The Whites, whose version was featured in the 2000 movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Ada Blenkhorn’s nephew always wanted his wheelchair pushed down “the sunny side” of the street, and that gave her the inspiration for the song.
KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE
Words: Ada Blenkhorn
Music: J. Howard Entwisle
1899
There’s a dark and a troubled side of life;
There’s a bright and a sunny side, too;
Tho’ we meet with the darkness and strife,
The sunny side we also may view.
[chorus]
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life;
It will help us every day,
It will brighten all the way,
If we keep on the sunny side of life.
Tho’ the storm in its fury break today,
Crushing hopes that we cherished so dear,
Storm and cloud will in time pass away,
The sun again will shine bright and clear.
Let us greet with a song of hope each day,
Tho’ the moments be cloudy or fair;
Let us trust in our Savior always,
Who keepeth everyone in His care.
LISTEN (The Whites)
Words: Ada Blenkhorn
Music: J. Howard Entwisle
1899
There’s a dark and a troubled side of life;
There’s a bright and a sunny side, too;
Tho’ we meet with the darkness and strife,
The sunny side we also may view.
[chorus]
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life;
It will help us every day,
It will brighten all the way,
If we keep on the sunny side of life.
Tho’ the storm in its fury break today,
Crushing hopes that we cherished so dear,
Storm and cloud will in time pass away,
The sun again will shine bright and clear.
Let us greet with a song of hope each day,
Tho’ the moments be cloudy or fair;
Let us trust in our Savior always,
Who keepeth everyone in His care.
LISTEN (The Whites)