GET HAPPY - VERSE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

get happy - verse was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Ted Koehler in 1930. This prelude section sets up the more familiar chorus, featuring a bright, rhythmically engaging melody designed to establish an upbeat tone.

The first recording was by Abe Lyman and His Orchestra in Los Angeles in 1930, highlighting the song’s brisk tempo and clear melodic phrasing. Musically, it follows a standard verse-chorus structure with space for light improvisation.

Later performances often precede the main "get happy" chorus in cabaret and jazz shows, maintaining its role as an energetic introduction. Lyrically, it emphasizes the joy of anticipation, setting a lively mood for audiences.