Affirmation
Darren Hayes Lyrics


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I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse tv evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned




I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

Overall Meaning

In "Affirmation," Darren Hayes offers a collection of personal beliefs that, taken together, comprise a positive and affirming worldview. He touches on a range of topics, including relationships, self-esteem, sexuality, happiness, materialism, and spirituality. Interspersed are some observations or critiques of society - for instance, how beauty magazines can promote low self-esteem, and how the struggle for financial freedom is unfair. At its core, however, the song is a call to appreciate what we have and to live fully in the present moment. The chorus declares that what we give is what we get returned, and that we often only appreciate what we have after it's gone.


A key theme running through the lyrics is the search for happiness and meaning in life. Hayes suggests that we often look for external sources of happiness - such as other people or material possessions - but that true happiness comes from within. This is encapsulated in the lines "I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands" and "I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone." Similarly, Hayes suggests that we often take for granted what we have until it's gone, and that we must appreciate and nurture our relationships in order to find happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
Arguments should be resolved before nightfall.


I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
We rely too much on others for our own happiness.


I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
Junk food is intentionally designed to be addictive and unhealthy.


I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
Parents do the best they can with the resources they have.


I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
Beauty magazines create unrealistic expectations and contribute to low self-esteem.


I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone
Self-love is important and necessary.


I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
Actions have consequences and karma will come back to you.


I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
You need to experience heartbreak to truly appreciate real love.


I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
The grass appears greener on the other side, but it rarely is.


I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye
We often take things for granted until they're gone.


I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
Sexual orientation is not a choice.


I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
Trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship.


I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
Inner beauty is more attractive than physical appearance.


I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
Family is the most important thing in life.


I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
The financial system is inherently unfair.


I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires
Only those who have never struggled financially disagree that the system is unfair.


I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
Holding onto grudges and anger leads to unhappiness.


I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
The emotional connection in a happy marriage is stronger than physical attraction.


I believe that God does not endorse tv evangelists
TV evangelists do not represent God's message.


I believe in love surviving death into eternity
True love lasts beyond death.


I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
Actions have consequences and karma will come back to you.


I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
You need to experience heartbreak to truly appreciate real love.


I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
The grass appears greener on the other side, but it rarely is.


I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye
We often take things for granted until they're gone.




Writer(s): Darren Hayes, Daniel Jones

Contributed by Harper B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@AlejandroSalomonEmprendeduro

This hits differently as you get older... damn ❤️

@MsJenn1985

@That420Guy my husband used to sing this song to me and say “this is us”, he died at Christmas and my friend heard it yesterday and said “this is you”, from that exact line, and I knew what I had, but you still live with regret regardless xx

@colinesquire2480

Absolutely you realise how much trivial stuff bothered you before

@KIELTUR

We are getting wiser. I love the lyrics. It is a poem - an affirmation

@catzb37

@MsJenn1985 I am so sorry for your loss! 💚

@eddiepenman8291

Very true

17 More Replies...

@lyndaclark344

I'm so glad this is getting a revival in 2024!!!

@brandonmoore7497

I’m listening to Savage Garden Affirmation early February 2024

0:56

@guillecanales11

“I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul” so true! Who’s listening in 2021!!!

@nailsbykacey9979

Greets from Germany 🙂

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