BILL MESNIK OF THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS PRESENTS: THE SUNNY SIDE OF MY STREET - SONGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD - EPISODE #70: HIGH HOPES by Frank Sinatra (Capitol, 1959)

Oh, I know what you’re thinking: the Mez has finally lost it with this twee, Oscar winning anthem to persistence. But, my instincts tell me that someone might need to hear it again. Because, judging from my daily struggle with the urge to chuck it, do nothing, and give in to cynicism, I suspect I’m not alone. The world is just too exhausting. But, then I hear Frankie-boy giving me this nudge, and I figure “what the hell”, I should hang in there a little longer. It’s also remembered for being John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign song, when the world was young, during those halcyon days when Camelot’s Rat Pack assured us that all things were possible. Later, Frank was bitterly disappointed by Jack’s ingratitude, and Jack was assassinated three years after that. The world was plunged into a cataclysm of despair. But, then, the uproariously joyful Beatles appeared, and we had “High Hopes” once again. So, hang in there. Let’s have another cup of coffee, and let’s have another piece of pie, while we wait for daylight.