Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
Bing Crosby · Bing Crosby With The Andrew Sisters
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith, or pandemonium
Liable to walk upon the scene
(Andrews sisters:)
To illustrate
His last remark
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they do,
Just when everything looked so down?
(Bing:)
Man, they said we better
Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between
No, do not mess with Mr. In-Between!
Do you hear me, hmm?
(Andrews sister:)
Oh, listen to me chillin' and-uh you will hear
About eliminatin' of the negative and a' accent on a' positive!
(Bing:)
And gather round me children if you will and...
And sit tight while I start reviewin' the attitude of doin' right.
(Andrews sisters:)
You gotta ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between
(Both:)
You got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Then
Otherwise, otherwise
Pandemonium liable to walk upon the scene
To illustrate (well illustrate!)
My last remark (You got the floor)
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they say (What did they say)
Say, when everything looked so down?
Man, they said we better
Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-i-nate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between
No, don't mess with Mr. In-Between!
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
Bing Crosby's rendition of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive" captures the resilient optimism that defined his career during the swing era. Recorded alongside the Andrews Sisters, this track exemplifies the polished vocal harmonies and upbeat tempos that dominated American popular music in the 1940s. The song's title phrase became a cultural touchstone, reflecting a broader societal desire to focus on the bright side amidst global uncertainty. Crosby's smooth baritone delivery transforms the novelty number into a standard of enduring charm, showcasing his ability to elevate light-hearted material into timeless recordings. This collaboration highlights the synergy between Crosby's solo artistry and the sisters' energetic backing, creating a sonic snapshot of a golden age in entertainment history.