I want to be happy – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
C Major – Vincent Youmans 1924
I Want to Be Happy by Vincent Millie Youmans (1925) is a swing-era jazz standard in C Major. The tune became a favorite for dance orchestras, with its swinging rhythm and accessible melodic lines. Vincent Millie Youmans was a pianist and lyricist whose contributions helped define the sound of the swing era. The arrangement features the tight rhythmic interplay and Polished ensemble work characteristic of the big band era.
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Composed by Vincent Youmans with lyrics by Irving Caesar in 1925 for the musical 'No, No, Nanette', 'i want to be happy' was first performed by Janet Velie and later recorded by Paul Whiteman's Orchestra. Its upbeat melody and lively rhythm quickly made it a standard in both theater and jazz circles.
The lyrics convey a lighthearted longing for joy and contentment, complemented by a syncopated, cheerful melody. Structurally, the song allows room for call-and-response passages and improvisational sections, popular in swing interpretations.
Subsequent recordings by Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman, and contemporary jazz ensembles have highlighted its playful energy and versatility across performance contexts.
About the composer: Vincent Youmans
Vincent Millie Youmans (1898–1946) was an American composer and producer renowned for his Broadway work. Best known for *No, No, Nanette* (1925), his most influential contribution was creating standards like 'Tea for Two' and 'I Want to Be Happy.'
