From the recording Sparrows
Story: I needed to hear this message. I wrote this for myself as a means to lift my spririt in times of self-doubt or sadness (watching the news has that effect on me). When I first performed it, I was shocked to get a standing ovation and people came up to me afterward and actually thanked me for singing this song as a reminder of the simple things that make life good. Although this song lacks the "poetry" of most songs, it's energetic, direct and conversational tone make it very relateable, I think.
Lyrics
It's A Good Life (Signs of Beauty)
(c) 2003, Serina Jung
when you saw the world's ugliness
you put a shackle on your heart
you covered your ears, you closed your eyes
but beauty does exist
it is a flower in the desert
no less worthy for being difficult to find
it's a good life -sometimes it's hard to believe
it's a good life - look around you'll see signs of beauty
unfair expectations and unfulfilled wishes
deflate your spirit every time you sigh
but even a diamond must bide its time for brilliance
until, in the light, it cannot be denied
it's a good life -sometimes it's hard to believe
it's a good life - look around you'll see signs of beauty
in a simple act of kindness from a stranger
a sincere "hello, how are you?" from your neighbor
or the sensitivity to be able to cry
and a sun that has never, ever failed to rise
remember, on your journey
to take notice of the flowers
they define what it means to be alive