Lyrics were added by Paul Francis Webster,[2] and various vocal version have also been recorded including one by the Jamaican group the Skatalites whose single was released in 1965, and reached No.
[4] It was released in the soundtrack album for the film, which includes a vocal version by Mitch Miller Sing Along Chorus with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.
[5][6] The film soundtrack was nominated for an Oscar, and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.
AllMusic describes their recording as a masterpiece of the ska genre with its feeling of optimism with a "jubilant harmonic horn chorus".
[11] Originally released in Jamaica on Coxsone Dodd's Muzik City label in 1965 under Alphonso's name, it was re-released the same year in the UK on Island using a slightly shorter edit.