Richard Carpenter and John Bettis wrote "Top of the World," which has a fun country vibe to it! Did you know that this song wasn't released as a single until a year and a half after it came out on the 1972 album, A Song for You? Country singer Lynn Anderson had found success covering the song, so it couldn't have been more perfect to release it as a single around that time. And, it made it to #1!
While others may think this is a "campy" song, unlike their more serious ballads, what's most incredible to me, other than the lyrics and orchestration, is Karen's vocals. You can hear the "smile" when she sings and her genuine emotions of happiness and hope. She also leaves us with so many vocal inflection gems throughout the song, with her emphasis on certain lyrics, such as "wonder in most everything I've seen," "won't be surprised if it's a dream," and "when this day is through."
"Top of the World" is my go-to feel-good "not a cloud in the sky" song that is absolute perfection when I'm having one of those awesome days, but it's also an instant mood-booster when I'm not. I always sing it with a smile like Karen, and honestly, that helps me feel it in my soul even more. Sometimes, we have to "fake it 'till we make it" when we are not having the best day, week, or even month. That act of powering through to positivity actually sparks us to wholeheartedly believe that things are going to be fine. And that's what will get us through the not-so-great moments.
So friends, be like Karen and smile while you sing or go about your day so you can keep on shining!