I'm Sitting on Top of the World

By Ray Henderson, Sam M. Lewis & Joe Young
1925

An anthem of the Roaring '20s, this infectious number was also one of the signature tunes of that musical giant of the Jazz Age, Al Jolson. It has since come to represent the heights of the pre-Depression 1920s, and was ironically used to that effect in the opening of Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong, set after the stock market crash. It can also be heard over the closing credits of the 1995 Richard III starring Ian McKellen.

Lyrics:

I'm sitting on top of the world,
Just rolling along
Just rolling along.

I'm quitting the blues of the world
Just singing a song
Just singing a song.

Glory hallelujah, I just phoned the parson
Hey, pa, get ready to call
Just like humpty dumpty,
I'm going to fall.

I'm sitting on top of the world
Just rolling along
Just rolling along.

Some people have diamonds
And beautiful pearls
While others have children
Just kiddies with curls.

Keep all of your fortunes
Keep all of your fame
I just found a sweetie
Who's changing her name.

I'm sitting on top of the world
just rolling along
just rolling along.

Don't want any millions
I'm getting my share
I've only got one suit (one suit)
That's all I can wear
A bundle of money won't make you feel gay
A sweet little honey is making me say.

I'm sitting on top of the world
just rolling along
just rolling along.

Recorded By:

Art Gillham
Les Paul & Mary Ford
Dean Martin
Dizzy Gillespie
Doris Day