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John Etkin-Bell Lyrics


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What makes you happy all the time?
Makes you wonder if it's right?
What gives you strength all the time
All the time?

What wears you out when you're tired?
Holds your hand and in the night
What gives you strength all the time
All the time?

To cry doesn't make it any easier
To laugh doesn't always feel right
It's time, time makes it all harder
Oh, when will I?

What makes you happy all the time?
Makes you wonder if it's right?
What gives you strength all the time
All the time?

To cry doesn't make it any easier
To laugh doesn't always feel right
It's time, time makes it all harder
Oh, when will I?





What makes you happy all the time?

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, John Etkin-Bell delves into the complexities of happiness and strength, questioning both their nature and their endurance. He begins by asking what brings someone happiness consistently, prompting reflection on whether this constant state of happiness is truly satisfying or even morally justifiable. By raising this question, Etkin-Bell suggests that sustained happiness may not always be attainable or desirable.


The second verse addresses the idea of strength, asking what empowers and supports someone throughout their life. The lyrics imply that whatever it is that provides this strength, it is present consistently, implying the need for endurance and resilience in facing life's challenges.


The subsequent lines focus on contrasting experiences: crying and laughing. The singer suggests that crying does not necessarily make things easier, highlighting the emotional complexity of sadness. Similarly, laughing is not always a genuinely pleasant or appropriate response. These lines convey the notion that emotions cannot be easily categorized as wholly positive or negative, and that they play a complex role in our lives.


Etkin-Bell then explores the influence of time on our emotions. He asserts that time can make the journey of navigating emotions even more difficult, implying a sense of longing for resolution or understanding. The repetition of the phrase "Oh, when will I?" emphasizes this yearning and impatience for clarity or relief.


Overall, the lyrics leave the listener with thought-provoking questions about the nature of happiness, the role of strength, and the complexities of emotions. Etkin-Bell encourages deep introspection by highlighting the nuances of these experiences, inviting listeners to contemplate their own understanding and pursuit of happiness and strength in the face of life's challenges.


Line by Line Meaning

What makes you happy all the time?
What brings you constant joy and happiness?


Makes you wonder if it's right?
Makes you question if it's morally or ethically correct?


What gives you strength all the time
What empowers and motivates you consistently?


All the time?
Continuously and without interruption?


What wears you out when you're tired?
What exhausts you when you're already weary?


Holds your hand and in the night
Provides support and comfort, especially during difficult times


To cry doesn't make it any easier
Expressing sadness or grief does not alleviate the difficulty


To laugh doesn't always feel right
Despite laughter being associated with happiness, it doesn't always feel appropriate


It's time, time makes it all harder
The passing of time exacerbates the challenges and problems


Oh, when will I?
Expressing longing or impatience for a resolution or understanding




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JUANITA STEIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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