Upon turning 18 and moving out to Syracuse, NY to pursue his academics, Cook was met with a vibrant local music scene the likes of which he had never felt in Brussels. A home found in basement shows and the will to not only make music, but be part of a new and exciting culture of ‘do it yourself’ diligence.
After two years, and two bedroom-recorded albums under the name Spark Alaska, it was time to break out of the quiet and comfortable shell Cook had made for himself.
Equipped with an old Peavey guitar, a microphone that had never been yelled into before, and a handful of musician friends to take over for Lorenzo’s inept rhythmic abilities, Petite League was born. It was the snotty, noisey music that Cook had always wanted to make.
Not Always Happy
Petite League Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used my words and not my tongue
Cuz it gets sharp and you know best, and you know best
I'm not angry, oh I swear, I'm just upset
I love the woes she left me
They remind me I'm not always supposed to be happy
I love the way she left me
It reminds me I'm not always supposed to be happy
I love the woes she left me
They remind me I'm not always supposed to be happy
I love the way she left me
It reminds me
I held your hand up to my chest
Teary-eyed I said "I'm scared to death"
Of my body, of my soul, of where I'm going, what do I know?
The sand in my bed oh it stays for days
and word of my mother I lost my way
and I'm on my own
I love the woes she left me
They remind me I'm not always supposed to be happy
I love the way she left me
It reminds me I'm not always supposed to be happy
I love the woes she left me
They remind me I'm not always supposed to be happy
I love the way she left me
It reminds me
Petite League's song "Not Always Happy" is an emotional exploration of heartbreak and self-discovery. The opening lyrics, "I wrote a book about you in my phone, I used my words and not my tongue, Cuz it gets sharp and you know best, and you know best, I'm not angry, oh I swear, I'm just upset" reveals the frustration and pain that can come from trying to communicate with a loved one who doesn't understand or empathize with your feelings. The singer, despite being hurt, makes an effort to express their emotions through writing as a way to avoid using harsh words that could potentially hurt the other person.
The chorus of the song, "I love the woes she left me, They remind me I'm not always supposed to be happy" demonstrates the complexity of emotions surrounding heartbreak. The singer, despite being hurt by their partner, finds value and growth in the pain they are experiencing. The idea that we're not always meant to be happy is an important lesson that everyone must learn, and the woe the singer is feeling reminds them of that fact.
The next verse, "I held your hand up to my chest, Teary-eyed I said "I'm scared to death" Of my body, of my soul, of where I'm going, what do I know?" reveals the singer's fear of the unknown, including their future without their partner. The song ends with the line "and I'm on my own," emphasizing the newfound independence that comes with heartbreak and the need to move forward on your own.
Line by Line Meaning
I wrote a book about you in my phone
I documented every thought and feeling I associated with you using my phone.
I used my words and not my tongue
I expressed my emotions through writing instead of speaking because I feared that verbal communication could be damaging.
Cuz it gets sharp and you know best, and you know best
Because my tongue has an edge and you know how to trigger me, you know best.
I'm not angry, oh I swear, I'm just upset
I didn't get mad, I just became disappointed, I swear.
I love the woes she left me
I appreciate the difficulties that came with her departure.
They remind me I'm not always supposed to be happy
These difficulties are a reminder that happiness can't always be expected in life.
I held your hand up to my chest
I held your hand close to my heart.
Teary-eyed I said 'I'm scared to death'
I expressed my fear that I may never be able to overcome certain obstacles in life.
Of my body, of my soul, of where I'm going, what do I know?
I'm uncertain about the direction of both my physical and spiritual journey and question if I have any control over it.
The sand in my bed oh it stays for days
The memories of our time together linger and are hard to forget.
and word of my mother I lost my way
My mother's negative comments about my choices led me to doubt my path in life.
and I'm on my own
I am alone in figuring out my own journey in life.
It reminds me I'm not always supposed to be happy
The way she left me is a reminder that happiness is not always guaranteed.
Contributed by Callie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.