Happiness

Elliott Smith

About Happiness

"Happiness" is a song by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. It was released on February 8, 2000 by record label DreamWorks as the first single from his fifth studio album, Figure 8. It was also released on 7-inch vinyl by Cavity Search.


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Activity's killing the actor
And a cop's standing out in the road turning traffic away
There was nothing she could do until after
When his body'd been buried below

Way back in the day
Oh my, nothing else could've been done
He made his life a lie so he might never have to know anyone
Made his life the lie you know

I told him he shouldn't upset her
And that he'd only be making it worse involving somebody else
But I knew that he'd never forget her
While her memory worked in reverse to keep her safe from herself

And oh my, nothing else could've been done
She made her life a lie so she might never have to know anyone
Made her life the lie you know
What I used to be will pass away and then you'll see

That all I want now is happiness for you and me
What I used to be will pass away and then you'll see
That all I want now is happiness for you and me
What I used to be will pass away and then you'll see

That all I want now is happiness for you and me

 Struggling with Happiness? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Elliott Smith

Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, the area in which he first gained popularity. Smith's primary instrument was the guitar, but he was also proficient with piano, clarinet, bass guitar, drums, and harmonica. Smith had a distinctive vocal style, characterized by his "whispery, spiderweb-thin delivery," and used multi-tracking to create vocal layers, textures, and harmonies. more »

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10 facts about this song

Artist career
"Happiness" was written and performed by Elliott Smith, a highly regarded American singer-songwriter known for his melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics.
Song Composition
The song is characterized by Smith's signature somber tone, produced by minimalist instrumentation and his soft, whispered vocals.
Album Release
"Happiness" features in Smith's fifth studio album "Figure 8," released on the 18th of April, 2000 by DreamWorks Records.
Album Cover Art
The mural depicted on the cover of the "Figure 8" album, where "Happiness" resides, became a significant memorial site for fans after Smith's death in 2003.
Lyric Interpretation
The song expresses Smith's consistent theme of struggling between optimism and despair, symbolizing a constant search for happiness amid the harsh reality of life.
Posthumous Recognition
Though Smith's popularity was primarily posthumous, "Happiness" continues to resonate with countless listeners, encapsulating the tender emotion and poignant lyricism that marked Smith's career.
Genre
It's categorized in the Indie Folk and Indie Rock genres. The simple guitar work and intimate vocals in "Happiness" reflect Smith's shift from lo-fi sound to a more polished recording style in the later years of his career.
Music Video
Despite its popularity, no official music video was ever made for the song "Happiness."
Track Position
The song is the fifth track of the "Figure 8" album, following the song "Everything Means Nothing To Me" and preceding "Wouldn't Mama Be Proud."
Critical Reception
Critics often consider "Happiness" one of the standouts in "Figure 8", primarily admired for its lyrical complexity and vulnerable delivery.

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