Keep on the sunny side

How about a bit of optimism today? Given the world, national and political scenes, I know I can use it: I’m thinking of the lyrics and music of A.P. Carter and Gary Garett. Carter was the cousin of Maybelle Carter, the mother of the late June Carter-Cash, spouse of the legendary Johnny Cash.

Every time I hear the simple melody and equally uncomplicated lyrics of one of Carter's and Garett's best known songs, I can't help but try to look at the brighter side of whatever problem or challenge I'm facing at the moment. Here's just a portion of that song (sing along in your head, if you know the melody--I bet you do):

"There's a dark and a troubled side of life
But there's a bright, and a sunny side, too.
Tho' you meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side you also may view.
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life.
It will help us ev'ry day, it will brighten all the way
If we'll keep on the sunny side of life."