This song is possibly about her ex partner Barrie-James O'Neil. Stated in an NME interview, Barrie explains that he was a burden for Lana:
"Looking back, it was probably wasn’t easy living with me—I’m an insomniac and I have depression."
Is This Happiness
Lana Del Rey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You're a hard man to love and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don't do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I've got my dad
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
High up in the Hollywood Hills crushing violet pills
You've been trying to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man-to-man, heart to-heart
I love you but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
The song "Is This Happiness" by Lana Del Rey seems to be a reflection of a turbulent relationship. The song starts with the singer taking violet pills in the Hollywood hills, and writing all of her songs about cheap thrills. She confesses to being a hard woman to keep track of, while her partner is a hard man to love. The man likes to rage and wants his way, which drives the singer mad. However, the singer has her father's gun to protect herself. These lines highlight the singer's struggle with a destructive relationship where she tries to find happiness but is weighed down by her partner's behavior.
The chorus of the song revolves around the question, "Is this happiness?" The repeated questioning of happiness suggests that the singer is unsure about what it means to be happy in her relationship. In the second verse, the focus shifts to the male protagonist, who is trying to write a novel about his cheap thrills. He seems to be inspired by the writer Hunter S. Thompson, who was known for his wild lifestyle. However, the singer thinks he's crazy, and while she loves him, he drives her too far. The lines "wish you well on that star" imply that the singer is ready to let go and move on from this relationship.
In the final section of the song, the singer mentions "Witch Hazel" and "Betrayal" and talks about a gun placed on the table. The lines "headshot if you're able" suggest that the singers face betrayal and is ready to take revenge. Overall, the song reflects on the singer's struggle with a toxic relationship as she questions if it brings her happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
High up in the Hollywood Hills taking violet pills
Lana Del Rey is taking drugs while living in a luxurious lifestyle in Hollywood
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
She loves to write about her experiences of pleasure obtained through activities that are not too expensive
You're a hard man to love and I'm
The man she is referring to is difficult to love
A hard woman to keep track of
She thinks of herself as a challenging person to keep up with
You like to rage, don't do that
She is warning him against acting recklessly
You want your way, you make me so mad
She is annoyed with him for insisting on doing what he wants
Got your gun, I've got my dad
She is saying that she possesses her dad's protection if needed
Is this happiness?
She questions whether this content feeling she has is true happiness
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
She is referring to Witch Hazel as a euphemism for alcohol
Betrayal, betrayal
She is hurt by the betrayal of someone she trusted
One gun on the table
There is a gun on the table, which could mean they are in danger
Headshot if you're able
This line is a threat to the person who betrayed her
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
This is just a meaningless humming sound that can emphasize multiple emotions she goes through during the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELIZABETH GRANT, RICK NOWELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vanessa Cruz
High up in the Hollywood Hills taking violet pills
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You're a hard man to love and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don't do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I've got my dad
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
High up in the Hollywood Hills crushing violet pills
You've been trying to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
steff bonilla
LYRICS ✨
[Verse 1]
High up in the Hollywood hills taking violet pills
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You’re a hard man to love and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don’t do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I’ve got my dad
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
[Chorus]
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
[Verse 2]
High up in the Hollywood hills crushing violet pills
You’ve been trying to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
[Chorus]
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
[Bridge]
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
[Chorus]
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
[Outro]
Hmmmm
Hmmmm
Hmmmm
Hmmmm
bb
High up in the Hollywood Hills taking violet pills
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You're a hard man to love and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don't do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I've got my dad
(Chorus)
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
High up in the Hollywood Hills crushing violet pills
You've been trying to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
(Chorus)
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
(Chorus)
Helga P
High up in the Hollywood hills taking violet pills
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You’re a hard man to love and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don’t do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I’ve got my dad
[Chorus]
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
[Verse 2]
High up in the Hollywood hills crushing violet pills
You’ve been trying to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
[Chorus]
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
[Bridge]
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
[Chorus]
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
Is this happiness
melinda
LANA DEL REY
Is This Happiness Lyrics
I've been to Hollywood Hills taking violet pills
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You're a hard man to love and I'm a hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don't do that
You want your way
You make me so mad
Got your gun
I've gone my dad
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
I've been to Hollywood Hills crushing violet pills
You've been trying to write a novel 'bout your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
But I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you but you drive me so far
Wish you well on the star
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Witch Hazel, witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Read more: Lana Del Rey - Is This Happiness Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Lanadel Who
High up in the Hollywood hills, taking violet pills
Writin' all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You're a hard man to love, and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don't do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I've got my dad
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
High up in the Hollywood hills, crushin' violet pills
You've been tryin' to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you, but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Mariany Knapik
I've been in Hollywood Hills taking violet pills
Writing all of my songs about my cheap thrills
You're a hard man to love and I'm
A hard woman to keep track of
You like to rage, don't do that
You want your way, you make me so mad
Got your gun, I’ve got my dad
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
I've been in Hollywood Hills crushing violet pills
You've been trying to write a novel about your cheap thrills
You think you're Hunter S. Thompson
I think you're fucking crazy as the day's long
Man to man, heart to heart
I love you, but you drive me so far
Wish you well on that star
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Betrayal, betrayal
One gun on the table
Headshot if you're able
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Is this happiness?
Ray Sunshine
MY LIFE WOULD BE A LOT EASIER IF THIS WAS ON SPOTIFY
Victor Aquino
RIGHT I ALWAYS HAVE TO COME BACK EACH TIME
Patrolling the mojave makes you wish for winter
I think it’s only on Apple Music
felipe kills
it used to be:(
K. D.
@Mason looks like it's gone now?
rain
one of her most underrated songs
Olivia E.
+raina b. i agree
Virgil Amador
Couldn't agree more
Stranded Traveller
+Kyle DeLeon I can totally imagine it being played in one of those indie British films with an early 20th century setting.
Ronnie Felix
def top 3