High Hopes (Frank Sinatra song)
| "High Hopes" | |
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"High Hopes" is a popular song first popularized by Frank Sinatra, with music written by James Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn.[1] It was introduced by Sinatra and child actor Eddie Hodges in the 1959 film A Hole in the Head, nominated for a Grammy and won an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 32nd Academy Awards.[1]
Description
The song describes two scenarios where animals do seemingly impossible acts. First, an ant moves a rubber tree plant by itself, then a ram single-handedly destroys a "billion kilowatt dam." The desires of these animals are described as "pie in the sky," although the song implies they ultimately accomplish them. The song finishes comparing troubles and hardships and sorrows to balloons; the problem has gone away when the balloon is popped.
Performers
Frank Sinatra
"High Hopes" was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1959 in a hit version, featuring a children's chorus, which was included in his 1961 album, All the Way. The tune reached #30 on the Billboard Hot 100.[citation needed] The track peaked at #6 in the UK Singles Chart.[1] Sinatra also recorded a version of the tune with different lyrics which was used as the theme song for the 1960 Presidential Campaign of John Kennedy.[2]
Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. performed the song with a children's chorus at the 32nd Academy Awards ceremony, where it won the award for Best Original Song.
Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore recorded the song with a children's chorus in 1960.
Doris Day
Doris Day recorded a rather jazzy version of the song for her 1964 album, With a Smile and a Song. Her version was used in the 1998 animated film Antz.[3]
Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby recorded the song for his 1968 album, Thoroughly Modern Bing.
Harry Kalas
The song also was popularized in Philadelphia by Phillies play-by-play announcer Harry Kalas, who made the song his personal anthem. Kalas sang "High Hopes" after the Phillies won the 1993 National League Championship, and again after the 2008 World Series.[4] Beginning after his death, after each home Phillies win, the home fans sing the song while the lyrics and a video of Kalas are played on the scoreboard above Harry the K's restaurant in left field.
Rick Logan
Rick Logan recorded a rather short version of the song without any music and with a women's chorus by Donna Davidson, Luana Jackman, Susie Stevens-Logan and Bobbi Page for A Goofy Movie in 1995.
Popular culture
- 85th Academy Awards - The song was performed by Seth MacFarlane, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Daniel Radcliffe during the 2013 Academy Awards ceremony.[5]
- A Goofy Movie - In the early minutes of their long vacation, Goofy puts an 8-track tape of the song into his car stereo and sings along. Annoyed by this, his son, Max interrupts by turning the stereo over to a radio station which starts blaring hard rock music and starts doing air guitar with his hands. A fight over the music ensues and eventually, the two damage the tape and the stereo.
- Antz - The song plays in the first half of the end credits.
- The Rat Pack - A customized version of the song is performed by the Rat Pack, consisting of Frank Sinatra (portrayed by Ray Liotta), Dean Martin (Joe Mantegna), Sammy Davis Jr. (Don Cheadle), Peter Lawford (Angus MacFadyen) and Joey Bishop (Bobby Slayton) at a fundraiser for John Kennedy's 1960 presidential election campaign.
- The Simpsons (episode 1F01 "Rosebud") - Principal Skinner, voiced by Harry Shearer, sings the song with a mob.
- Lavern and Shirley - The title characters sing the song in numerous episodes to cheer themselves up when down on their luck.
- Rocky Balboa - The original version of the song plays over the loudspeakers when Rocky Balboa enters the ring. He at first doubts when hearing the song that his brother has chosen, but later says "He's very good, Sinatra."
- Muppets Tonight (episode 207 "Rick Moranis") - While telling Seymour and Pepe that they need to have skill, patience and high hopes, Moranis begins singing the song. However, Seymour interrupts by smashing the ant who later taken in an ambulance prompting Moranis to continue singing including the ant's injury in the lyrics.
- Newhart (episode: "What Makes Dick Run") - Larry, Darryl and Darryl sing the song in their play for Stephanie.
- Captain Kangaroo (many episodes)
- Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - In chapter 1, Ramona's dad sings his own version of part of the song.
- Mr. Belvedere (episode: "Valentine's Day") - Kevin Owens, portrayed by Rob Stone, plays the drums of the song.
- The Middle (episode: "Hecking it Up") - The Hecks sing this song to Sue to cheer her up.
- Craig Mack-Wooden Horse (Parts of sinatra's original song is looped into this rap song, which was used in the movie 'What's The Worst That Could Happen?)
References
- ^ a b c d e Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 135. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Research-Aids/Ready-Reference/JFK-Fast-Facts/High-Hopes.aspx.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Soundtracks for Antz (1998)". IMDb. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
- ^ Paul Luce (14 April 2009). "Remembering Harry Kalas". Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved 20 April 2009.
- ^ Harris, Aisha (25 February 2013). "Was That the Oscars? Or the Tonys?". Slate. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
