Between 1930 and 1934, Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler wrote music for two shows a year at Harlem's legendary Cotton Club. Their number "I've Got the World on a String" was penned for the 21st edition of the Cotton Club series, entitled Cotton Club Parade, and proved an instant hit. Though it's been covered by many artists, perhaps the most famous rendition is by the Chairman of the Board on his 1957 album This Is Sinatra. The most intriguing line to me, in light of Frank's somewhat domineering personality, is "Life is a beautiful thing, as long as I hold the string". This song really speaks to the high-living, reporter-punching S.O.B. inside me.