Performing Songwriter calls Hutchinson, "...A master of introspective ballads filled with understated yearning and an exquisite sense of metaphor." The twenty-six year old describes her style as "lyric-based, folk-pop, with a whole lot of small town idealism and one devastating break up thrown in for good measure." Among her influences she is quick to include poet Mary Oliver along with the likes of David Grey, Patty Griffin, Greg Brown and Shawn Colvin. Her songs are characterized by a weathered but unselfconscious optimism, a love of language and of the natural world. Having grown up in a town of 5,000 people, "just outside the National Historic District," her songs possess all the charm of Lake Wobegon, tempered by a sweet and timeless voice.
Being Happy
Meg Hutchinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And then go dark
I've been known to walk the edge, I've been known to trip
And fall right in
Madness sings a Siren song, the sea it calls me but I don't swim on
Let the old year be behind me, let the old year be behind me
What's the harm in being happy
What's the harm in being happy?
They'll give you back to you
Sunny morning coffee's made, cupboards full and
You across the table from me
Blossoms in the street after the rain you tell me I've been laughing in my sleep
They say perfect the life or perfect the art
A choice like that will only tear you apart
There's room for both of you in my heart
In my heart
In Meg Hutchinson's song Being Happy, she talks about her struggles with mental health and finding happiness. The song showcases her willingness to let go of her past and move towards a brighter future. The opening line of the song, "I've been known to burn too bright, I've been known to flash And then go dark," suggests that Meg is familiar with the ups and downs of life. She also speaks of walking the edge, tripping, and falling into madness. These lines are an accurate representation of what it's like to live with mental health issues. She even mentions that madness sings a Siren song and the sea calls her, but she doesn't swim on. This line conveys how tempting and alluring it can be to surrender to negative thoughts and emotions.
The chorus of the song highlights a shift in Meg's outlook as she asks "what's the harm in being happy?" This suggests that she is learning to appreciate the importance of happiness, which is a significant transformation. She also mentions little pills of red and blue that can give you back to yourself. In this line, she may be referencing medication or therapy that has assisted her in her mental health journey. Meg then describes the simple joys of life, such as a sunny morning, a hot cup of coffee, and spending time with someone she cares about. This further emphasizes her newfound appreciation for the small pleasures in life.
Overall, Meg Hutchinson's song Being Happy is a beautiful representation of mental health recovery. It highlights how difficult the journey can be, but also emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past and embracing a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been known to burn too bright, I've been known to flash
And then go dark
I have a tendency to act impulsively, enthusiastically, and at times recklessly, only for that energy to quickly dissipate.
I've been known to walk the edge, I've been known to trip
And fall right in
I have a history of taking risks, even when the outcome is uncertain, and sometimes those risks have had negative consequences.
Madness sings a Siren song, the sea it calls me but I don't swim on
Let the old year be behind me, let the old year be behind me
I acknowledge the temptations that come with my impulses and desires, but I choose not to give in to them. Instead, I choose to leave the past behind and focus on the present.
What's the harm in being happy
What's the harm in being happy?
I ask myself why I shouldn't allow myself to be happy and enjoy life to its fullest, without worrying about the consequences of my actions.
Little pills of red and blue, drink them down
They'll give you back to you
I recognize that taking medication can help treat medical conditions, and that it's important to seek treatment when necessary.
Sunny morning coffee's made, cupboards full and
You across the table from me
I appreciate the small pleasures in life, like enjoying a cup of coffee with a loved one, and am grateful for the abundance in my life.
Blossoms in the street after the rain you tell me I've been laughing in my sleep
I recognize the beauty in the world, even after difficult times, and find joy in simple things. Others also see that I am content and at peace, even when I'm unaware of it.
They say perfect the life or perfect the art
A choice like that will only tear you apart
Society tells us that we must either achieve perfection in our personal life or in our creative work, but this is a false choice that only leads to frustration and disappointment.
There's room for both of you in my heart
In my heart
I acknowledge that both my personal life and my creative work are important to me, and I will strive to find a balance between the two.
Contributed by Mackenzie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.