Be Happy Son
Eli Nathan Lyrics


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Mr. Paul Stone who was a very wealthy man
Had an ostentatious mansion right next door to Sam
Manicured front lawn swimming pool in the back
There seemed to be nothing that Paul Stone did lack

Sam was a hardworking father of four
Who supported his family from his little store
In front of his small and modest home stood his only car
A sixty seven Chevrolet that didn't go very far
Sam's boy used to say, "Hey Dad it seems to me,
That Paul Stone is better off than we."

Chorus
Be happy son with 'a what you have, be happy with your lot
A happy man is satisfied with what he's got
Be happy son with 'a what you have, be happy with your lot
A happy man is satisfied with what he's got

To a wild poolside party his neighbors and his friends
An invitation to Sam he did send
Paul had downed to bottles of booze and his third was under way
When he called out to Sam and snickered and everyone heard him say.
"That you live in this here neighborhood is a real good joke to me.
What's a matter Sam aint you got no luck you're not rich like me.
There's a shack on the other side of town, I am sure even you can buy,
And if you need a loan you can come to Stone if you pay me back on time."

Morning came all his friends went home there was no one there to tell
How a drunk Paul tripped over bottle and into the pool he fell
Sam's boy was working with his father in their store
When the news hit the town that Paul Stone was no more

Chorus
Be happy son with 'a what you have, be happy with your lot
A happy man is satisfied with what he's got




Be happy son with 'a what you have, be happy with your lot
A happy man is satisfied with what he's got

Overall Meaning

The song "Be Happy Son" by Eli Nathan tells the story of two neighbors, Paul Stone and Sam. Paul Stone is a wealthy man who lives in a luxurious mansion while Sam is a hardworking father of four who runs a small store and lives in a modest home. Sam's son wonders why their neighbor is better off than they are. Sam responds with the message of the song, that one should be happy with what they have and not compare themselves to others.


Despite Sam's message, Paul Stone invites Sam to a wild poolside party where he proceeds to insult Sam and brag about his wealth. Later, Paul Stone dies in a drunken accident and Sam's son learns the harsh lesson that money and material possessions do not bring contentment and happiness.


The song explores themes of jealousy, wealth, and the importance of being content with what one has. It encourages listeners to not compare themselves to others and to focus on their own blessings.


Line by Line Meaning

Mr. Paul Stone who was a very wealthy man
There was a man named Paul Stone who was very rich and had a lot of money.


Had an ostentatious mansion right next door to Sam
Paul Stone had an elaborate and showy house located beside Sam's house.


Manicured front lawn swimming pool in the back
His house had a well-kept front yard and a swimming pool in the back.


There seemed to be nothing that Paul Stone did lack
It seemed like Paul Stone had everything he could ever want or need.


Sam was a hardworking father of four
Sam was a father of four who worked very hard to support his family.


Who supported his family from his little store
He provided for his family through his small business or shop.


In front of his small and modest home stood his only car
Sam's only car was parked in front of his small and humble house.


A sixty seven Chevrolet that didn't go very far
The car was an old 1967 Chevrolet that wasn't able to drive for long distances.


Sam's boy used to say, "Hey Dad it seems to me,
Sam's son used to tell him, "Hey Dad, it looks like to me


That Paul Stone is better off than we."
that Paul Stone is living a better life than us."


Be happy son with 'a what you have, be happy with your lot
Be content with what you have, and happy with the life you have been given.


A happy man is satisfied with what he's got
A person who is content with what they have will be happy with their life.


To a wild poolside party his neighbors and his friends
Paul invited his neighbors and friends to a wild party by his pool.


An invitation to Sam he did send
He also invited Sam to the party.


Paul had downed to bottles of booze and his third was under way
Paul had already drank two bottles of alcohol, and was starting on his third.


When he called out to Sam and snickered and everyone heard him say.
Paul spoke to Sam in a sneering tone, and everyone at the party could hear him.


"That you live in this here neighborhood is a real good joke to me.
"It's funny to me that you live in this neighborhood.


What's a matter Sam aint you got no luck you're not rich like me.
What's wrong with you, Sam? Don't you have any luck? You're not as rich as me.


There's a shack on the other side of town, I am sure even you can buy,
There's a small and simple house on the other side of town that I'm sure you can afford to buy.


And if you need a loan you can come to Stone if you pay me back on time."
And if you need to borrow money, you can come to me, but you have to pay me back on time.


Morning came all his friends went home there was no one there to tell
The next morning, Paul's friends had left the party, and nobody was there to witness what happened.


How a drunk Paul tripped over bottle and into the pool he fell
Paul, who was drunk, tripped over a bottle and fell into the pool.


Sam's boy was working with his father in their store
Sam's son was helping his father out in their store.


When the news hit the town that Paul Stone was no more
When the news spread throughout the town that Paul Stone had passed away.


Be happy son with 'a what you have, be happy with your lot
Be content with what you have, and happy with the life you have been given.


A happy man is satisfied with what he's got
A person who is content with what they have will be happy with their life.




Contributed by Mackenzie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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