First band of Colin Meloy, now of The Decemberists fame, and before his "co… Read Full Bio ↴First band of Colin Meloy, now of The Decemberists fame, and before his "college band" Tarkio. With fellow song-writer David Casey, now of the Watercarvers Guild, who also played on Tarkio's album I Guess I Was Hoping for Something More. Also featured Mark Schummer and Deidre Casey, David's girlfriend-then-wife. Recorded one self-produced and marketed cassette, Cricket. From Helena, MT. Around from approximately 1992 to 1994. Alt-country/indie.

Elizabeth
Happy Cactus Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been trying to see you

But I'm sure,

Nevermore.

And if I were to tell you

Would you turn away?

What would you say?

I force a smile when I'm with you,

Just because

I'm afraid

Of what I might say.

Will it be the same tomorrow?

Will I ever see you again?

Oh, Elizabeth.

If I could think of the words,

Then I would say them

To you.

I've been looking for the answer,

But your beauty

Just compels me

To forget.

Oh, Elizabeth.

If I could think of the words,

If I could read your mind,

If I could see through your eyes.

Overall Meaning

The song "Elizabeth" by Happy Cactus is a heartfelt song that expresses the struggles of unrequited love. The lyrics "I've been trying to see you, but I'm sure, nevermore" suggest a feeling of hopelessness and acceptance that the singer will not be able to have the love they desire. It is clear that the singer has deep feelings for Elizabeth, but is hesitant to express them for fear of rejection. The lines "And if I were to tell you, would you turn away? What would you say?" highlight the singer's fear of potential rejection and uncertainty about how Elizabeth feels about them.

The singer puts on a facade of happiness around Elizabeth, even though they are afraid of what they might say. The verse "I force a smile when I'm with you, just because I'm afraid of what I might say" further emphasizes the singer's fear of expressing their true feelings. The fear of not being able to see Elizabeth again is palpable in the lines "Will it be the same tomorrow? Will I ever see you again?" The chorus repeats the name Elizabeth, almost like a plea to her for some sort of acknowledgement. The singer even acknowledges their own inability to find the right words, thinking "If I could think of the words, then I would say them to you."

Overall, "Elizabeth" is a song that explores the complexities of unrequited love and the fear of rejection. It captures the pain and longing that comes with being in love with someone who may never feel the same way.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been trying to see you
I have been attempting to spend time with you

But I'm sure, Nevermore.
However, I am positive that it will never happen

And if I were to tell you
If I were to express my feelings to you

Would you turn away?
Would you have a negative reaction?

What would you say?
What would be your response?

I force a smile when I'm with you,
I make myself smile when I am in your presence

Just because I'm afraid
Only because I am scared

Of what I might say.
Of the things I may speak without thinking

Will it be the same tomorrow?
Will our relationship stay unchanged in the future?

Will I ever see you again?
Will we have the opportunity to meet again?

Oh, Elizabeth.
Oh, Elizabeth.