DIP YOUR BRUSH IN THE SUNSHINE (AND KEEP ON PAINTING AWAY)
(J.C Johnson / Andy Razaf)


Ted Lewis & His Band (vocal: Ted Lewis - 1931
Snooks & His Memphis Ramblers (vocal: Wally Ashby) - 1931




As recorded by TED LEWIS, 13th April 1931, New York:

You know, life is a canvas, folks
On which we all can paint
Paint any old picture like we may
Why, there's the rich man, look at him
The poor man, the devil, the saint
And they're all painting pictures ev'ryday

Why, you know, some paint in colours
Of a wonderful view
While others use colours of strife
But I wanta tell you that ev'ry word
Ev'ry thought, ev'ry little thing that we do
Goes down on our canvas of life

So, come on, folks and just dip your brush in the sunshine
And keep on painting away, oh, do it now
Make love a duty and you're sure to find beauty
Wherever your eyes are gonna stray

And life, it's gonna seem worthwhile livin'
Oh see, folks, skies, they'll never be grey
No sir, if you'll just dip your brush in the sunshine 
Do what I tell ya, keep on painting, painting away
Ev'rybody, keep on painting away

Paint it, Benny, paint it!
(Clarinet solo - Benny Goodman )
Aw, do it, Benny!
Paint it blue, Benny!
Sky blue, Benny!

Paint those window sills
And let the little sunshine in
Aw, do it!

Take it, Muggsy, Muggsy!
(Cornet solo - Muggsy Spanier)
Paint it red, Muggsy, paint it red!
Red hot, red hot, that's it!
Say, good!

Come on ev'rybody
Just dip your brush up in the sunshine
That's the place, folks
And keep on painting awa
Do what I tell ya now
Just keep on painting away

Yes sir!



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2017)