I’m no musical snob, but there’s something about the standards. Whether it’s their simplicity, their charm or their idealized romanticism, listening to the Great American Songbook takes away some of the cynicism and complications of everyday life. I know that most of time period was full of prejudice, but I believe you can still appreciate the music without erasing its context. I’m also not one to claim that older songs were so much more wholesome than the vulgarity of today ("Call Me Irresponsible" is the most sexual song I've ever heard, and just listen to "Let’s Do It"). But whether it's to get you through a bad day or to end a great one, sometimes you just need wholesome, old tunes full of blissful optimism.

1. "Sunshine Lollipops and Rainbows" (1963) by Lesley Gore

This song perfectly describes what great love should feel like: sunshine, lollipop, and rainbows. One can only hope to feel all three at the same time.

"When you're near the raindrops disappear"

2. "You Send Me" (1957) by Sam Cooke

Everyone raves about the simplicity of old songs, and songs like this prove the argument. I’m not exactly sure what “you send me” means, but I feel like you’d know when you feel it.

"At first I thought it was infatuation / But wooh, it's lasted so long / Now I find myself wanting to marry you / And take you home."

3. "S’Wonderful" (1959) by Ella Fitzgerald

I always roll my eyes when people say a singer’s voice makes them cry, but when it comes to Ella Fitzgerald, I get it.

"You made my life so glamorous / You can't blame me for feeling amorous"

4. "L-O-V-E" (1965) by Nat King Cole

I think we all remember this song from "The Parent Trap," so it’s full of nostalgia, which means wholesome untainted bliss.

"Two in love can make it / Take my heart and please don't break it / Love was made for me and you"

5. "When I Fall in Love" by Julie London

If only it were that simple. I'll allow myself almost 3.5 minutes of blissful ignorance before going back to the real world.

“In a restless world like this is / Love is ended before it's begun / And too many moonlight kisses / Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun”

6. "How Deep Is the Ocean" by Ella Fitzgerald

Her love is approximately 36,200 feet deep.

"How many times a day do I think of you? / How many roses are sprinkled with dew?"

7. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" (1957) by Doris Day

Some of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard, and Doris Day’s sweet but strong voice is just oh-so-perfect. The lyrics meld together like a lingering stroll through a star-lit garden.

“Stars shining bright above you / Night breezes seem to whisper ‘I love you' / Birds singing in the sycamore tree / Dream a little dream of me”

8. "Hooray for Love" by Ella Fitzgerald

My go-to Valentine’s Day song. It’s a celebration of love, whether you're remembering past romances, ardently in love, or happily single.

"Love, love, horray for love / Who was ever too blasé for love?"

9. "How D’Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning" by Dean Martin and Helen O'Connell

If you imagine singing this song with someone complete with flirty glances, you might be in love.

"How do you like your toast in the morning? / I like mine with a hug"

10. "You're the Cream in My Coffee" by Nat King Cole Trio

A little bit of salt really brings out the flavors, so I guess calling her "the salt in my stew" is kind of cute. It's almost as sweet as calling her his fish sauce.

"You're the cream in my coffee / You're the salt in my stew / You will always be my necessity / I'd be lost without you"

11. "Tea For Two" (1950) by Doris Day

This song is just so sweet, and it makes me want to have tea parties with cucumber sandwiches.

"Tea for two and two for tea / Just me for you and you for me alone"

12. "If I May" (1955) by Nat King Cole and the Four Knights

It's the perfect harmonies and those one syllable rhymes that sound completely natural coming from Nat King Cole's smooth delivery that really do it for me.

"You're the object of my affections / And if you have no objections / I'd like to love you night and day / If I may"

13. "Doll on a Music Box" (1968) by Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes

I remember watching "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" growing up, and all the songs are pretty great. But this one definitely takes the cake. Just listen to their voices together and try not to wistfully sigh.

"Truly Scrumptious / Though I may seem presumptuous / Never, ever, ever go away"

14. "I Have Everything If I Have You" (1963) by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore

Dick Van Dyke is one of the three great loves of my life, and his charm is on its own level. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" is hilarious, and all of the musical numbers between Rob and Laurie are absolutely delightful.

"Though my pockets may be empty and my talents may be few / I know that I'd have everything if I had you"

15. "Make Someone Smile" (1964) by Jimmy Durante

The first time I heard this song, I may have shed a single tear. How can you not want to do something kind for someone else after listening to this song? Fun fact: this guy is the narrator in "Frosty."

"Make someone happy / Make just one someone happy / And you will be happy too"

16. "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" (1961) by Frank Sinatra

Probably not the healthiest way to view your partner, but it's still a sweet song.

"After all is said and done / To think that I'm the lucky one / Cannot believe that you're in love with me"

17. "A, You're Adorable" by Dean Martin

Dean Martin sang more than songs about love and pizza. He also sang adorable songs that can each children their ABCs.

"A, you're adorable / B, you're so beautiful / C, you're a cutie, full of charms"

18. "That's All" (1957) by Nat King Cole

Love that lasts forever, country walks in springtime, and holding hands? That's more than enough in my book.

"A love whose burning light / Will warm the winter night / That's all"

19. "They Can't Take That Away From Me" (1956) by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

I really like Ella Fitzgerald, OK?

"The way you hold your knife / The way we danced till three / The way you changed my life / No, no, they can't take that away from me"

20. "Only You" (1955) by The Platters

Classic.

"When you hold my hand, I understand the magic that you do / You're my dream come true / My one and only you"