Happiness

On May 19, 2023, the Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay delivered a heartwarming and uplifting performance of Greg Gilpin’s arrangement of Clark Gesner's “Happiness” during their Spring Concert, You Are Enough, at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. Originally featured in the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, this cheerful and catchy tune about the pursuit of happiness perfectly aligned with the concert’s theme of self-worth, positivity, and community.

The chorus’s rendition of “Happiness” was a jubilant celebration of finding joy in life’s simple moments. Under the skilled direction of their conductor, the Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay harmonized effortlessly, bringing warmth and energy to the performance. The lively arrangement by Greg Gilpin elevated the already upbeat song, infusing it with a sense of joy and camaraderie that resonated deeply with the audience.

As the chorus sang, “Happiness is finding a pencil, happiness is learning to whistle,” the lyrics—lighthearted yet profound—reminded everyone of the beauty of life’s small, everyday pleasures. The chorus’s collective voices carried the message of the song with both enthusiasm and sincerity, creating an atmosphere of joy that filled the church. The vibrant energy of the performance was contagious, with the audience smiling and tapping along to the infectious rhythm.

The You Are Enough concert, which focused on self-acceptance and the power of community, found an ideal expression in “Happiness.” The Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay’s performance was a reminder that happiness is not a destination but a choice, found in the connections we share and the moments we celebrate. The performance left the audience uplifted, with a renewed sense of the joy that comes from embracing life fully and knowing that, indeed, we are enough just as we are.