Stephen Flaherty is a songwriter popular for working on musicals. He often works with lyricist Lynn Ahrens. Together, they created hit Broadway shows like Ragtime, Anastasia, and Once on This Island. His music is known for its strong melodies and catchy tunes.
He won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Ragtime and was also nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy. His work has also been praised for its emotional depth and accessibility, making him a key figure in musical theater.
About the Song
How Lucky You Are is a happy song from the musical Seussical. It tells people to be thankful for what they have.
The tune is light and fun, like a children’s story. A cheerful character sings it to make others feel better. The music fits the playful world of Dr. Seuss.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | January 30, 2001 |
| Album | Seussical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (2000) |
| Writers | Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty |
Read the Full Lyrics of How Lucky You Are
When the news is all bad
When you’re sour and blue
When you start to get mad
You should do what I do
The CAT mischievously lets the WHOS fall a few more feet
Whos
Aaah!
Cat in the Hat
Tell yourself
How lucky you are
When your life’s going wrong
When the fates are unkind
When you’re limping along
And get kicked from behind
Tell yourself how lucky you are
THE CAT lets the WHOS fall a little more
Whos
Aaah!
Cat in the Hat
Why decry a cloudy sky
An empty purse
A crazy universe?
My philosophy is simply
Things could be worse!
The CAT sniffs the clover sneezes allergically – all over THE WHOS
AH … AH. AH-CHOO!
The WHOS react in disgust at being sneezed on
Whos!
EWWW!
Cat in the Hat
So be happy you’re here
Think of life as a thrill
And if worse comes to worse
And we all know it will
Thank your lucky star
You’ve gotten this far
And tell yourself how lucky you are
How lucky, how lucky, how lucky, how lucky, how lucky, how lucky you are!
THE CAT, WHOS and JOJO are gone, and HORTON stands alone
Horton
That bird let that clover drop somewhere inside
Of a great patch of clovers, one hundred miles wide!
I’ll find it, I’ll find it! I’ll find it or bust!
I’ll find my friends on their small speck of dust
Yes, clover by clover by clover with care
I’ll listen and I’ll call, are you there?
Are you there? Are you there? Are you there?
[HORTON begins his search for the WHO’s clover by clover. He picks one up, carefully puts it to his ear, listens for a beat, then tosses it over his shoulder. He repeats this, carefully listening and then tossing. GERTRUDE MCFUZZ enters. Her tail is now magnificent! She sings to HORTON, but he takes no notice because he is searching for the speck of dust.
Similar Songs to How Lucky You Are
If How Lucky You Are made you smile, these other Stephen Flaherty musical tracks are also filled with charm and character.
- Alone in the Universe: This gentle duet speaks about the feeling of being alone, yet finding comfort in a friend who truly understands what you’re going through.
- It’s Possible: Takes listeners into a world of imagination, showing how dreams can flourish when you believe, no matter how fantastical they may seem.
- Horton Hears a Who!: This fun track celebrates Horton’s caring heart, teaching that every voice matters, even when others don’t want to listen.
- Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!: Encourages kids and adults to use their imagination freely, with playful words and a happy tune that lifts spirits easily.
Similar Artists Like Stephen Flaherty
Here are some other composers whose work also brings stage characters and big emotions to life through bold melodies and lyrics.
- Alan Menken
Genres: Musical Theater, Film Score
Top Albums: The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Newsies (1992) - Stephen Sondheim
Genres: Musical Theater
Top Albums: Into the Woods (1987), Sweeney Todd (1979), Company (1970) - Marc Shaiman
Genres: Broadway, Film Score
Top Albums: Hairspray (2002), Catch Me If You Can (2011), Some Like It Hot (2022) - Jeanine Tesori
Genres: Musical Theater
Top Albums: Caroline, or Change (2004), Fun Home (2015), Kimberly Akimbo (2021) - Jason Robert Brown
Genres: Musical Theater
Top Albums: The Last Five Years (2002), Parade (1999), Songs for a New World (1995)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Theme of How Lucky You Are?
The song uses irony and contrast to make the audience reflect on gratitude by comparing worse situations.
How Many Times is the Song Reprised in Seussical?
It is reprised several times to remind characters—and the audience—to stay grateful.
What Style of Music is Used in How Lucky You Are?
It features a playful, vaudeville-style approach, utilizing bright piano and an upbeat rhythm to complement Dr. Seuss’s amazing tone.
