You Can't Be Happy
Fastbacks Lyrics
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But you know they won't work
I can't see through but know what you're doing
I see you walking all around with a smile from a box
A quick change of clothes
But you'll still disclose the feeling you've got
Try as you might to conceal it
You know you can't be happy
You know you won't be happy
You just wonder why
You always listen but don't hear
When they're only trying to help
Think you know exactly what you're doing
You know you just can't be happy till you make up your mind
Change the way you think
You're not always the one who's right
Things don't always get better left alone
The Fastbacks' song "You Can't Be Happy" is a self-reflective piece that deals with the quest for happiness, a common struggle that everyone goes through. The lyrics indicate that the singer of the song has been trying different things to be happy, but all of those efforts have proved futile. Furthermore, the singer is aware of the fruitlessness of these attempts but is still trying to achieve happiness through his or her little games. The imagery in the song suggests that the singer is putting up a facade of happiness, appearing to be content while putting on a smile from a box, changing clothes but not feelings. The lyrics' repeated phrase, "Try as you might to conceal it, you know you can't be happy," underscores the singer's frustration at not being able to achieve real happiness.
The chorus of the song presents a sense of resignation and hopelessness. The singer does not believe they will ever be happy and thinks that the pursuit of happiness is futile, wondering why they should even try. However, there is a suggestion that the singer, while listening, is not hearing or open to advice, as they believe they know what they are doing. The song implies that happiness is possible if the singer is willing to change their way of thinking and open to change. The song's final lines suggest that instead of leaving things alone, proactively working towards a solution may be more beneficial.
Line by Line Meaning
You always try your little games
You constantly attempt to manipulate situations to your liking
But you know they won't work
You are aware that your efforts to control the outcome may not succeed
I can't see through but know what you're doing
I cannot discern your intentions, but I understand the behavior you're exhibiting
I see you walking all around with a smile from a box
You pretend to be happy, but your contentment is artificial and shallow
A quick change of clothes
You change your exterior appearance, hoping to change your interior disposition
But you'll still disclose the feeling you've got
Despite your efforts to conceal your emotions, they will ultimately be expressed
Try as you might to conceal it
You endeavor to hide your true feelings
You know you can't be happy
You recognize that you cannot find genuine happiness
You won't even try
You refuse to make an effort to change your circumstances
You know you won't be happy
You understand that you cannot attain fulfillment
You just wonder why
You question why you cannot find contentment
You always listen but don't hear
You receive counsel, but refuse to take it to heart
When they're only trying to help
Others are attempting to offer assistance
Think you know exactly what you're doing
You possess a misguided certainty in your behavior
You know you just can't be happy till you make up your mind
You will only achieve felicity once you decide to alter your perspective
Change the way you think
You must alter your mindset
You're not always the one who's right
Your viewpoint may not always be correct
Things don't always get better left alone
Problems may persist if they are not addressed
Contributed by Dylan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.