Happy Days
Hanako Oku Lyrics

The lyrics to Hanako Oku's song "Happy Days" narrate the perspective and feelings of the singer as they wake up in the morning. The first verse describes the typical morning routine, with the alarm clock ringing and the singer waking up five minutes before. Normally, this would make them feel like they've lost something, but today, they feel a sense of gain. They observe people going about their usual morning activities such as jogging, an old lady with her Maltese dog, and kids wearing backpacks, all contributing to the familiar scenery of the morning. Despite this familiarity, the singer contemplates pushing themselves a little harder and trying their best, whether it's working with a smile or falling in love while shedding tears. The "happy days" mentioned throughout the song emphasize the connection between ordinary, everyday life and happiness.

The second verse compares the singer's situation to a goldfish in a fish tank that no one feeds if it just waits. So, just like every day, they walk quickly to the station. There are times when they feel like running away, realizing that things don't always go as planned. However, these moments make them realize that they can't achieve anything alone. The line about breaking down the stacked bricks metaphorically signifies challenging oneself to go a little further. The lyrics convey the message that there may not be a single answer to every dilemma faced, but staying true to oneself despite being laughed at is important. Therefore, they anticipate "happy days" in the future, emphasizing the importance of embracing each day.

The third verse focuses on the end of the day, where the singer changes their tired shoes after a long day of work. Even the angry boss has family photos in their notebook, emphasizing that everyone has their own daily life outside of work. These encounters with different people and their individual daily lives show that everyone is aging together. The lyrics suggest that no matter what happens, tomorrow will always come and bring new experiences. The phrase "笑いながら 働いて 泣きながら 恋をして" (working with a smile, falling in love while shedding tears) is repeated, highlighting the underlying theme of finding happiness despite the ups and downs of life.

The final lines of the song express the idea that the answers to life's dilemmas are not always clear-cut. Many tears can ultimately transform into a smile. The repetition of "Happy days" throughout the song conveys the enduring optimism and hope that the singer feels. It symbolizes the belief that happiness can be found even through challenges, and that it will eventually reach not only the singer but also the listener, ensuring that every day is a happy day. The song ends with the word "La," which can be interpreted as an expression of joy and contentment.