"Feeling Good" is a song written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd. Nina Simone recorded her now-iconic version for her 1965 album I Put a Spell on You. While not released as a single at the time, Simone's interpretation has since become one of her signature songs and an enduring anthem of liberation, resilience, and hope123.
Origins and Meaning
The song was originally performed in the musical by a character known as "The Negro," who sings it after prevailing in a rigged "game" against two white characters—symbolizing triumph over racial and socioeconomic adversity in 1960s Britain1. Simone, recording in the midst of the American civil rights movement, brought new depth and urgency to the song, transforming it into a declaration of Black joy, freedom, and optimism in the face of oppression and turmoil13.
Lyrical Themes:
The lyrics use images from nature—birds flying, sun in the sky, breeze drifting by—to evoke a sense of renewal and possibility:
"It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me
And I'm feeling good"34.
Simone's performance turns these lines into a powerful affirmation, expressing both personal and collective emancipation.
Simone’s Interpretation and Impact
Musical Arrangement:
Simone’s version opens a cappella, her voice commanding and soulful, before the orchestra enters with a dramatic, jazzy riff. The arrangement, crafted by Hal Mooney, features bold horns and lush instrumentation, amplifying the song’s emotional intensity13. Near the end, Simone’s vocal improvisations and scatting add further layers of feeling and artistry1.
Civil Rights Resonance:
Simone’s "Feeling Good" became an unofficial anthem for the civil rights movement, reflecting her role as an outspoken activist and artist. She used her music as a form of protest and empowerment, believing that "an artist's duty... is to reflect the times"3. The song’s message of freedom and self-affirmation resonated deeply with listeners fighting for equality and justice31.
Enduring Legacy:
Though not a hit single upon release, Simone’s "Feeling Good" gained widespread popularity decades later, especially after being featured in commercials, films, and covered by a wide range of artists21. Its timeless message and Simone’s commanding delivery have made it a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its optimism, courage, and the sense of unity it inspires31.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse |
| First Recorded By | Cy Grant (1964, musical); Nina Simone (1965, definitive version) |
| Album | I Put a Spell on You (1965) |
| Arrangement | Hal Mooney (jazzy, orchestral, dramatic) |
| Themes | Emancipation, hope, resilience, new beginnings |
| Cultural Legacy | Civil rights anthem, widely covered, enduring symbol of freedom |
Summary
Nina Simone’s "Feeling Good" is a masterful reimagining of a show tune into a universal anthem of liberation and joy. Her powerful vocals, coupled with a dramatic arrangement, turn the song into a declaration of resilience and hope—making it a timeless classic and a beacon of the civil rights era132.
