Happy
Killah Priest Lyrics

Happy (Yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah)
The idea of happiness is introduced with enthusiasm in the opening line.

Happy, time to be Happy
Reinforcement of the central theme of happiness as something everyone should strive for.

A homeless man smiles at me showing no teeth
Despite the struggles of being homeless, the man has found a reason to smile, a display of resilience.

A young man laying dead in the cold streets
Loss and tragedy are common in the harsh realities of life, seen in the description of a young man's death.

He was a victim beaten bad by the police
A commentary on the abuse of power present in some police forces.

And everyday another funeral there's more grief
Every day there is a new reason to mourn, highlighting the pain present in society as a whole.

And everyday I like to pray when I see the Sun
An expression of gratitude and hope in the midst of struggle.

And if there ever was a Lost Tribe we the one
A reference to the idea that his community is marginalized and forgotten, a metaphorical lost tribe.

And every hood there's a project with us in it
The idea that poverty is pervasive in urban areas, and that projects are where many people live.

The old man in the dust going nuts finished
The elderly can feel forgotten and irrelevant in modern society, and may fade away unnoticed, becoming 'finished.'

Years before they use to say 'You use to own business
A reference to the discrimination faced by Black business owners in the past, where they were targeted by the IRS and other agencies.

Caught them on tax, I guess you're black, you gotta know you limit'
The sense of being unfairly targeted and punished for one's race, a commentary on systemic racism.

And everybody tried to be Happy someway
The universal desire for happiness, no matter the circumstances.

I think of dinners in the winter on a Sunday
A memory of cherished times and traditions provides a source of happiness for the singer.

And everybody's poor but we always pull through it
Resilience and strength are present in spite of financial hardship.

'Cause of Marvin's influence, we always played his music
The power of music to uplift and inspire, with mention of legendary artist Marvin Gaye.

My Pops said he was a 'Trouble Man' courtesy of Uncle Sam
A reference to the artist's father being drafted into the Vietnam War, putting him in harm's way.

Then I hit the streets then start hustling
Struggling to make ends meet, the singer takes to the streets to make money.

But I could see my Grandma when she dressed for Church
A fond memory of his loving grandmother, with church being a source of inspiration and hope.

Her stylish hat, white dress with the matching purse
A vivid description of his grandmother's fashionable style, a mark of her pride and dignity.

And I could hear her sing aloud with the choir marching in
The image of his grandmother singing with the choir at church provides a sense of joy for the artist.

With the face of joy, proud 'cause her heart's with him
The happiness and pride his grandmother feels in her faith and love for God.

And she could live everlasting and pure peace
The sense that his grandmother has gone on to find peace and rest from the difficulties of life.

No longer worried eyes, speaks to him before sleep
The idea that his grandmother is watching over him and offering comfort, even in death.

And I stood by the door when she came at me
A memory of his grandmother coming to him before she died, offering words of wisdom.

She said, 'You gotta endure and learn to be Happy'
A message of resilience and the importance of finding joy in life, even in the face of adversity.

Stood right beside me, look deep inside me
A description of someone close to the singer offering support and understanding.

She has inspired me to be Happy
The impact of someone else on the artist's own desire to find happiness.

My friend wrote his mother: 'Mama I'm doing better now
A letter from a friend to his mother, detailing his successes and plans for the future.

My last year of College, told you I wouldn't let you down
The singer's friend is pursuing higher education with pride and determination.

And how's things around the house? I know you're still fussing
The comfort of a mother's care and the warmth of home, even when living away from family.

I finally heard from Ralphie said 'He had a deal coming'
A friend has received some positive news, and is sharing the excitement with his mother.

He wrote me last week; told me him and Dad don't speak
The reality of family conflict and difficult relationships, even amidst other successes.

They both be acting they're kids if you ask me
An observation of the immaturity present in his friend's father and how it exacerbates their issues.

But anyway, how come you never wrote me back?
The loneliness and longing present in the singer's friend as he seeks connection and support.

This is like my fourth letter to you, I was hoping that...
The dedication of a son to reach out to his mother, regardless of how busy or difficult life can be.

You could send me something it's getting cold winter's coming
The practical needs and concerns of someone living away from home, missing the care of his mother.

I know you're standing, laughing, saying, 'I'm up or into something'
The imaginary response of his mother to his letters, an expression of her love and support for her struggling son.

I love you mom sincerely yours', as the nurse pause
A touching expression of love and affection for his mother, as he reads a letter to her from afar.

From reading her his letter, body attached to a cord
The reality of his mother's declining health and dependence on medical equipment is emphasized.

Into a breathing pump, the stroke she had was too much
The devastating reality of a stroke, and how it can affect someone's life, with the forced use of medical equipment.

She's in the coma, been that way for a few months
The difficult and heartbreaking prospect of a loved one being in a coma for an extended period of time.

And if her son knew believe he'll split in two
The impact of such a tragic event on someone, especially a devoted son.

And go back to using drug before quitting school
The fear and desperation that can accompany tragedy, pushing someone back into harmful habits or behaviors.

But just smile 'cause your mother's still here
The importance of cherishing small joys and victories, even amidst great hardship.

Try to live and be proud, make a heart full of cheer
A message of hope and inspiration from his grandmother, encouraging him to seek happiness and fulfillment in life.

For your mama, tranquility, she's free
The idea that his mother is at peace and free from pain, removed from the trials of life.

Give your heart space and liberty and then peace
Encouragement to open oneself up to love and acceptance, in order to find the peace that comes with inner fulfillment.

The words are golden, emotion, devotion
The power of words to offer deep emotion and devotion.

Just hush, feel the touch for a moment
The idea that sometimes peace and contentment can come from simply being still and feeling a small touch or gesture of love.

My life's a paradox, watched by crooked cops
The sense of confusion and tension that can come from living in a corrupt or unjust society, watched by those who should be trusted.

But the law carries me just to be Happy
Despite the obstacles and difficulties present in society, the artist seeks to find happiness and fulfillment in life, through whatever means necessary.

Dedicated to my grandmother, Miss Louise Staley
The song is dedicated to Killah Priest's grandmother, a tribute to her inspiring legacy.

I love you Grandma!
A heartfelt declaration of love and respect from the singer to his beloved grandmother.