In 2009/2010, the Black Eyed Peas’ earworm “I Gotta Feeling” seemed (almost) inescapable. This frothy, party bop was everywhere.
So it’s not surprising that a creative group like the Fountainheads created a parody version of the Black Eyed Peas’ earworm, to celebrate the bright lights and seasonal joys of Hanukkah/Chanukah.
The Fountainheads cover of “I Gotta Feeling” taps into party vibes that are joyously appropriate, name-dropping seasonal items from menorahs to dreidels, from latkes to candles.
While the Black Eyed Peas’ versions parties through the week, Monday through Sunday, the Fountainheads party through the nights of Hanukkah/Chanukah (25 Kislev through 3 Tevet): “One day, two day, three day, and four day/ Five day, six day, seventh to the eighth day/ Keep keep keep keep lightin' up/ Stronger every day/ Party every day/ P-p-p-party every day.”
Because the Festival of Lights happens each year, the “feeling” or hunch “that tonight's gonna be a bright light night” is accurate, based on previous years of celebration or partying. This “feeling” with memories of previous celebrations sparks anticipation of the parties to come.
You could (rightly) note that “I Gotta Feeling Hanukkah” is unserious or even a little too silly, given what’s happening in the world. But this unserious Hanukkah/Chanukah bop reminds listeners that – alongside more serious feelings – it is ok to feel joy during these eight, candle-bright nights.
If there is a time and season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1), then this is the season to add “I Gotta Feeling Hanukkah” to your playlist and celebrate the bright gift of joy.
