The Happy Song Lyric Breakdown

To quote a friend of my who commented on one of my public Facebook posts when promoting the EP inQ, “12 seconds in I had a good idea where it was going and it did not disappoint, it had just as sardonic a tone as I was hoping it would have.” That is exactly what I was going for. Inspired by someone commenting on my lack of happy or upbeat music, ‘The Happy Song’ is lyrically in the vein of Sara Bareilles’ ‘Love Song’.

LYRICAL BREAKDOWN

They say I need a happy song

That I should write one

But I-I don’t feel that vibe

Staring at my white wall

I need inspiration

But I I’m a dried up well

The first two lines show the point of inspiration mentioned previously. The verse goes on to explain that even with the knowledge that an up beat happy song would be good to have I struggle gathering the emotions and words necessary to make it happen. I stare at the wall by my desk, reaching into the depths of my mind coming up empty.

They said

Hey just look on the bright side

It’s the only side with sunshine and flowers

Take a step out in the fresh air

Look at the cloudless sky and soak up the weather

Nothing but sunshine will do

These lines are the repeated chorus. Alone these lyrics seem silly and frivolous – like there is no meaning to them other than saying it is a great day to enjoy – but when combined with the verses the meaning changes. It develops the mocking tone of people telling someone in a poor mood to ‘just be happy’. To look for the silver lining. That they just need to take a walk and get some vitamin D to improve their day. It is a jab at the concept that it is easy to pull out of a funk and plaster on a genuine smile.

They said it would be easy

That I could do it

But I-I’m failing hard

So I will give you this tune

This false optimism

I guess it’s good enough

The second verse resolves the inkling of a concept the chorus begins. It describes attempting to follow the ‘advice’ given to be happy or joyful, only to fail and decide the current state of mind is good enough to satisfy others.

The lyrics are short with the repetitive nature of the chorus, but repetition drives the point home. With the spoken words scattered throughout the final minute (That’s all they want, and Seriously why do I even try) it finalizes the point of view of taking someone’s advice and pretending it works.