“Come On Get Happy” is an undeniably infectious bubblegum pop anthem instantly recognizable as the theme song to the 1970s television sitcom, “The Partridge Family.” The Partridge Family, while fictional characters on screen, became a very real musical entity in the record stores. Led by Shirley Jones (who played Shirley Partridge on the show) and featuring the vocal talents of David Cassidy (who played Keith Partridge), the band became a pop culture phenomenon. The songs, largely the creation of studio musicians and producers, were deliberately crafted for chart success, and they achieved just that.
“Come On Get Happy” was released in 1970 as a single and featured on their second album, “Up to Date.” While it never actually reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three, it remained a popular song for several weeks. The song’s impact extended beyond the charts, becoming synonymous with the show and a generation’s idea of feel-good music.
The song’s meaning is deceptively simple: an optimistic call to arms to embrace happiness and let go of negativity. In a world grappling with social and political unrest, the Partridge Family offered a bright and cheerful escape, urging listeners to focus on positivity and find joy in life’s simple pleasures.
Audience reception to “Come On Get Happy” was, and continues to be, largely positive. While often dismissed by critics as sugary and manufactured, its enduring appeal lies in its undeniable catchiness and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgic joy. The song’s use in movies, commercials, and other media continues to introduce it to new generations, ensuring its place in pop culture history as a timeless reminder to “come on get happy.”