1971.

This one does like to pop up every so often doesn’t it? Not that I’m complaining, there’s nothing wrong with a, wait for it, ‘chirpy’ song first thing to get the day going. Yes, I know, I’ll get my coat.

Written and recorded by Lally Stott, who had a hit with this in France, the song was made famous by Scottish band Middle of the Road later the same year, who took it to number one in six countries across Europe, including the UK where it spent thirty-four weeks on the chart and five weeks at number one. This was despite the song being viewed as bubblegum pop by both the critics and the band members themselves. The song’s success was due in part to Radio One DJ Tony Blackburn, who preferred this version and played it regularly.

Despite the views of the critics, the song went on to sell over ten million copies world-wide.