In these times of Corona Virus lockdown nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, reminding us that,
Even in the darkest hours
Remember that night is followed by the dawn.
Jack O’Hagan’s ‘Carry On’ (1930) was a highly significant social contribution in its day, a great morale-booster released at the height of the Depression. It became an international hit and one of Jack’s most recorded compositions.
It was number one for six months in England, where seventeen recordings with an anglicised chorus by Girvan Dundas were made by big bands, including a terrific light, fast-paced version with wonderful harmonies and a jazzy instrumental by top dance band Ambrose and his Mayfair Hotel Orchestra, with vocalist Sam Browne; Jack Hylton’s enormously popular stage band, which performed in big shows like Oklahoma! and The King and I; the Masqueraders (pseudonym for famous British dance band the Savoy Orpheans, from the Savoy Hotel); the Ambassador’s Twelve; Zonophone’s house Orpheus Dance Band; the legendary Irish and Grenadier Guards; and vocal and instrumental versions by the Welsh Guards.
In November 1931, publisher Peter Maurice showcased their successful hit numbers at Variety Hall, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Trade papers featured full-page ads for songs being plugged. ‘Carry On’ was top of the list.
The popularity of this song eclipsed all Jack’s overseas releases and he was deeply honoured by magnificent recordings and treatments that could only be dreamt of back home. Australian sheet music advertised recordings by Jack Hylton’s Band (Decca), Ambrose and his Orchestra (HMV), the Masqueraders (Columbia) and the Orpheus Dance Band (Zonophone).
The popularity of this song eclipsed all Jack’s overseas releases and he was deeply honoured by magnificent recordings and treatments that could only be dreamt of back home. Australian sheet music advertised recordings by Jack Hylton’s Band (Decca), Ambrose and his Orchestra (HMV), the Masqueraders (Columbia), the Orpheus Dance Band (Zonophone) and by Australia’s celebrated Sundowners Quartet (Vocalion). Much to Jack’s dismay, our big bands, such as Royal Australian Air Force band, passed on it. He simply carried on.
1st Verse When you’re blue just carry on,
Troubles are only bubbles that fade away.
Smile and simply carry on,
Where there’s a smile no sorrow can ever stay.
Even in the darkest hours
Remember that night is followed by the dawn.
Whenever you feel blue
Here’s all you’ve got to do:
Carry on, Carry on, Carry on!
English Chorus Carry on, Carry on,
As the sunshine follows rain.
Carry on, Carry on,
We shall soon be right again.
Carry on, Carry on,
Things are coming right at last,
Carry on, Carry on,
There’s a good time coming fast.
