Feeling Good - Nina Simone

Feeling Good - Nina Simone

2:54

I Put a Spell On You, 1965

Written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, 1964

This was written for a musical called The Roar Of the Greasepaint — The Smell Of the Crowd.  It is sung by a character called "The Negro," who declares his triumph over the other characters in a largely metaphorical game.  Here, Simone certainly sings it powerfully and triumphantly.  "It's a new dawn / It's a new day / It's a new life for me, ooh / And I'm feeling good," she proclaims.  The lyrics are all bright sunshine, but Simone's vocals are defiant, almost menacing.  It's a terrific moment of black pride.