Dorothy Marie Marsh was born in Tennessee on October 11, 1932. A survivor a… Read Full Bio ↴Dorothy Marie Marsh was born in Tennessee on October 11, 1932. A survivor at heart, Dottie lived through a childhood of savage beatings and sexual abuse from her father. The always hopeful Dottie was always dreaming of making a profession out of singing. While in college Dottie meet her first husband Bill West, who would give her her name. Together the couple would get gigs on local tv and clubs. it wasn't until the success of Dottie’s singles "An Angel on Paper" and "Let Me Off At the Corner" did Dottie start to make a name for herself. Those minor hits were followed by a top 10 hit with Jim Reeves called "Love Is No Excuse." There was no doubt that Dottie west was one of the hottest rising stars and her follow up #1 "Here Comes My Baby" proved it.

Throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties Dottie pumped out chart toppers like no other. she was selling out concerts, selling millions of records, staring in movies, winning Grammies, Clieos and any other kind of awards you can think of. There is no doubt that the little girl from Tennessee came a long way. Dottie West earned herself the respect of everyone in the music industry and countless fans. If not for her music, most people remember her for either her stage presence or overall good nature. She was always looking out for others and going out of her way to do things for fans, family and friends. Despite Dottie's constant chart presence and sold out concerts her foundation fell out from under her when she discovered that she was a victim of a sneaky accountant and was overpowered by the IRS to give up all she owned. And ALL is ALL. The list of Dottie's personal momentous included the rights to all her music (I believe she wrote well over 400). All Dottie did was look out for others and this is how she was treated...disgusting if you ask me! But Dottie had dignity and started to rebuild her empire.

On august 30, 1991 Dottie was scheduled to appear at The Grand Old Opry. Her car broke down and, determined to keep her promise, she flagged down a passing driver and got a ride. On the way the driver lost control of the car and crashed. Battered, beaten and suffering from the wreck, Dottie pulled the driver from the car herself. She died due to injuries from the accident days later while in the hospital.

Happiness Lives Next Door
Dottie West Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm sorry but you've come to the wrong house
But I know who those flowers are for
The flowers that you have are for someone who's happy
And happiness lives next door

Someone sends her flowers each evening
And her young heart is flooded with joy
So don't keep her waiting deliver her flowers

To happiness who lives next door

The only one who would send flowers to me
Is gone to return no more
But there's some consolation to know someone is happy
And happiness lives next door

The only one who would send flowers to me
Is gone to return no more

But there's some consolation to know someone is happy
And happiness lives next door

Overall Meaning

The song "Happiness Lives Next Door" by Dottie West is a melancholic yet uplifting ballad that touches on themes of loss, consolation, and the resiliency of the human spirit. In the first verse, the singer apologizes to the person at the door, saying that they have come to the wrong house. However, they are able to deduce that the flowers the person is holding are not intended for them but for someone who is happy - someone whose happiness is so palpable that it can be felt "next door". The second verse reveals that this "someone" is a young girl who receives flowers every day, bringing her immense joy. The singer encourages the person at the door to not keep her waiting and instead deliver the flowers to their rightful owner. In the final verse, the singer reflects on their own situation, noting that the only one who would send them flowers is no longer alive. However, they find solace in knowing that at least someone is happy and that happiness is tangible and within reach.

The song speaks to the universal human experience of loss and longing, but also emphasizes the importance of finding happiness in the present moment - even if it's not necessarily our own happiness. By centering the narrative around the happiness of a neighboring character, the song encourages listeners to practice empathy, compassion, and gratitude.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm sorry but you've come to the wrong house
Unfortunately, the intended recipient of the flowers you are delivering does not reside in this house.

But I know who those flowers are for
I am aware of the intended recipient of the flowers.

The flowers that you have are for someone who's happy
The flowers you are delivering are for a person who is experiencing happiness.

And happiness lives next door
The person who is experiencing happiness resides in the house adjacent to mine.

Someone sends her flowers each evening
The recipient of the flowers receives a daily bouquet from a secret admirer.

And her young heart is flooded with joy
The recipient's youthful heart is filled with happiness upon receiving the flowers.

So don't keep her waiting deliver her flowers
Please ensure that the flowers are delivered promptly to avoid keeping the recipient waiting.

To happiness who lives next door
The flowers should be delivered to the recipient who resides in the house adjacent to mine.

The only one who would send flowers to me
The only individual who would send me flowers is no longer alive.

Is gone to return no more
This individual has passed away and cannot return.

But there's some consolation to know someone is happy
Despite not receiving flowers myself, I am comforted by the fact that someone nearby is experiencing happiness.

And happiness lives next door
The person experiencing happiness resides in the house adjacent to mine.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIE NELSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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