BILL MESNIK OF THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS PRESENTS: THE SUNNY SIDE OF MY STREET - SONGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD - EPISODE #64: IT’S COLD OUTSIDE by The Choir (Roulette, 1966)

Can a song about unrequited love be considered a “Sunny Song”? Absolutely, if it’s as poppy and refreshing as this cut by Cleveland one hit wonders, The Choir, previously known as The Mods. At the time of the song’s recording, the midwest was teeming with British Invasion, Carnaby St wanna-be bands who had longer hair than their peers and groovier clothes, and managed to cobble together enough money to cut a single. In the case of The Choir, their local hit record got picked up and nationally distributed by Roulette, becoming a hit. And, it lives on in the Nuggets collection. In Actor training, we are taught that subtext is everything. One doesn’t play the literal meaning of a line, but rather the intention underneath, which is often at odds with the words being spoken. Such is the case with this song, whose subtext - (the music) - is in direct opposition to the lyrics. The words are saying the situation is sad and hopeless; the music assures us that not only is hope possible, but I’m really ok, even at this given moment. Perhaps because the composer imagines that when the object of his desire hears him on the radio, they will surely love him. How could they not?