Look for the Silver Lining


"Look for the Silver Lining" is a popular song with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by B.G. DeSylva. It was written in 1919 for the unsuccessful musical Zip, Goes a Million. In 1920 it was published and reused in the musical Sally whence it was popularized by Marilyn Miller. Among others, it was later covered several times by Judy Garland, whose version also became, and remains, well-known.
A 1949 biopic with the same title as the song is about Marilyn Miller.
The song was the basis for the ILGWU anthem "Look for the union label". It is lampooned by another song, "Look for a Sky of Blue," in the satirical 1959 musical Little Mary Sunshine.
Marion Harris' recording of the song is featured in a memorable dance scene between Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley in the popular Masterpiece Classic series "Downton Abbey". The scene can be viewed in Episode 8 of Series 2 where the plot-line reached early-to-mid 1919; however, the recording was not made until 29 December 1920.
The song was used as the opening theme of CBS Radio's The Billie Burke Show.

Notable recordings