Bing Crosby

Lyrics

[Hook: Bing Crosby]
You've got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between

[Chorus: Bing Crosby]
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith, or pandemonium
Liable to walk upon the scene

[Verse: The Andrews Sisters]
To illustrate
His last remark
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they do
Just when everything looked so dark?

[Hook: Bing Crosby]
Man, they said we better
Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between
No, do not mess with Mr. In-Between!
Do you hear me, hmm?
[Bridge: The Andrews Sisters & Bing Crosby]
Oh, listen to me children and-uh you will hear
About eliminatin' of the negative and a' accent on a' positive!
And gather round me children if you will and...
And sit tight while I start reviewin' the attitude of doin' right

[Hook: The Andrews Sisters]
You gotta ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between

[Chorus: The Andrews Sisters & Bing Crosby]
You got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Then
Otherwise, otherwise
Pandemonium liable to walk upon the scene

[Verse: The Andrews Sisters & Bing Crosby]
To illustrate well illustrate!
My last remark You got the floor
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they say What did they say
Say, when everything looked so down?
[Hook: The Andrews Sisters & Bing Crosby]
Man, they said we better
Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between
No, don't mess with Mr. In-Between!Embed

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive, by Bing Crosby featuring The Andrews Sisters, is a classic tune that has enchanted audiences for decades. The song was first released in 1944 by Decca Records and has since become a well-known standard in American music. With catchy lyrics, a lively beat, and superb vocal performances, this song continues to captivate music lovers all around the world.

About Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive

The lyrics to "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" were written by Johnny Mercer, while Harold Arlen composed the music. The song was written during World War II, at a time when people were struggling with fear and uncertainty. Johnny Mercer intended for this song to uplift and inspire listeners, encouraging them to focus on the positive rather than the negative. The upbeat lyrics and catchy melody of this song certainly succeed in doing just that.

Throughout the song, Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters trade off vocal parts, adding to the song's dynamic energy. The Andrews Sisters' harmonies are particularly impressive, and their skilled vocal arrangement brings an extra layer of depth to the song. Vic Schoen and His Orchestra also play a significant role in the song, adding a lush and orchestral sound.

One of the most recognizable aspects of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" is the musical phrase that repeats throughout the song. This phrase, which sounds like "accentuate the positive," is not actually a real word. Mercer coined the term himself, using it to emphasize the importance of focusing on the good in life rather than the bad.

The song's lyrics are full of positive messages and inspirational themes. Some of the most memorable lyrics include:

"You've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don't mess with Mister In-Between."

"If you're feeling cross and bitter, jaded, haven't got a prayer, well take a deep breath and throw away that crossword puzzle."

"You've got to spread joy up to the maximum, bring gloom down to the minimum, have faith, or pandemonium liable to walk upon the scene."

These lyrics offer a valuable reminder to audiences that they have the power to control their thoughts and emotions, and to choose a positive outlook on life. The song's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, making it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In summary, "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" is a joyful piece of music that celebrates the power of positivity. With its catchy melody, inspiring lyrics, and impressive vocal performances from Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters, and Vic Schoen and His Orchestra, this song has rightly earned its place in the annals of American music history as an enduring classic.

• Release Date: December 8, 1944
• Artist: Bing Crosby