To some people, he is best known as the man who brought rock parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic to national attention, as well as Elmo and Patsy's 1979 Christmas song "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer".
Hansen was born the son of an amateur pianist and claims to have started his vast record collection as early as age 12, when he found "that a local thrift store had thousands of old 78 RPM records for sale at 5 cents each". He attended Reed College, where he wrote his senior thesis on Wagnerian opera, graduating in 1963, and later studied at UCLA, from which he earned a master's degree in folklore and ethnomusicology.
Hansen has developed a particular interest in the roots of rock 'n' roll in R&B and country music, and he has written about it in many magazine articles, liner notes to compilations and new recordings by a variety of artists, and two chapters on early R&B for The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll. His shows and public appearances display an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of recorded music in general, from the earliest Edison cylinder recordings onward.
Happy Days
Dr. Demento Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
walk like a man and you talk the same
i met a girl, she mentioned your name
keep on smiling, she's still your friend
i'm happy that you come down here to see me
you always make me smile
happy that you come down here to see me
you know i like your style
when they're talking about me
nobody is to blame, i'd do the same again
at the time i was so afraid
i'm happy........
the green green grass is dancing with the breeze
the green green grass is dancing with the breeze
and it makes me feel so good
it makes me feel so good
i can hear you call my name
and i know things will never be the same
i'm happy.......
The lyrics to Dr. Demento's song "Happy Days" depict a sense of happiness and gratitude towards someone who brings joy and positivity into the singer's life. The opening lines, "you take your chances, you play the game, walk like a man and you talk the same," suggest that the person being referred to is confident and assertive, living life on their own terms. The singer then mentions meeting a girl who mentions this person's name, indicating that they have a mutual connection.
The chorus expresses the singer's happiness and excitement whenever this person comes to visit them. The line "you always make me smile, you know I like your style" further emphasizes the positive impact this person has on the singer's life. Despite rumors or gossip surrounding the singer, they trust and believe in this person, expecting their loyalty and understanding.
The bridge of the song shifts the focus to the beauty of nature, using the imagery of dancing green grass swayed by the breeze. This imagery symbolizes the feelings of contentment and joy that the singer experiences, inspired by the presence of this person. The final lines of the song suggest that the person's connection has had a profound impact on the singer, overpowering any doubts or fears they may have had initially.
Overall, "Happy Days" is a song about finding happiness through a special person who brings joy and positivity, triumphing over any negative experiences or insecurities. It celebrates the power of connection and the transformative effect it can have on one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
you take your chances, you play the game
You willingly accept risks and participate in life's ventures
walk like a man and you talk the same
You display confidence and consistency in your actions and words
i met a girl, she mentioned your name
I encountered a girl who spoke of you
keep on smiling, she's still your friend
Continue to exhibit happiness, as she remains a friend of yours
i'm happy that you come down here to see me
I feel joy that you visit me in this place
you always make me smile
You consistently bring happiness to me
happy that you come down here to see me
Delighted that you visit me in this place
you know i like your style
You are aware that I admire your manner
do you believe in everything you hear
Are you inclined to trust everything you are told
when they're talking about me
When others discuss me
nobody is to blame, i'd do the same again
No one should be held responsible, as I would repeat my actions
at the time i was so afraid
During that period, I experienced intense fear
i'm happy........
I am content
the green green grass is dancing with the breeze
The lush grass is swaying in harmony with the wind
the green green grass is dancing with the breeze
The verdant grass is moving rhythmically with the wind
and it makes me feel so good
This experience brings me immense joy
it makes me feel so good
It elicits great positive emotions within me
i can hear you call my name
I can perceive you summoning me by uttering my name
and i know things will never be the same
Consequently, I realize that circumstances have forever changed
i'm happy.......
I am content
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JohnJones-iu8yr
Anyone else imagine Gary Busey singing this?
@mellissadalby1402
The gargling solo really sends it over the edge
@imhappyandyou.4003
That and the Kazoo 😂😂😂. It's my Friday song!.
@jared2178
I love the kazoo part
@hugginkiss1027
A nice tribute to Spike Jones.
@50percentGrey
I think that gargle is supposed to imply that when "things are going your way" and that you're "happy", you're most likely guzzling down booze and drunk off your ass. I mean, what else would adults do to feel better about themselves when the weekend starts (or cope if their dog dies)?
@ufced355
Thank you Dr Demento
@FlakFerret
WDVE Pittsburgh airs this at 2:58 PM every Friday on the radio and have been since 1982. They play it for the state employees from PennDOT who would usually be on their way home by then since the work limit on weekends starting Friday is 3:00.
@randysquires8362
Dr. Demento.....
@missconnie1768
Heard it on WDVE today!