Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe
Peggy Lee Lyrics


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Skies ain't gonna cloud no more
The crops ain't gonna fail
Caught a blue bird by the toe
A rainbow by the tail
A certain man with eyes that shine
Voodooed up this heart of mine

It seems like
Happiness is just a thing called Joe
He's got a smile that makes the lilacs want to grow
He's got a way that makes the angels heave a sigh
When they see Little Joe passing by
Sometimes the cabin's gloomy and the table's bare
But when he kisses me it's Christmas everywhere
Troubles fly away and life is easy

Does he love me good?
That's all I need to know

Seems like happiness is just a thing called Joe
Little Joe





Little Joe
Little Joe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peggy Lee's song "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" revolve around the titular character, who brings happiness into the singer's life. The first few lines suggest that no matter what problems may arise, Joe's presence makes everything seem better. The reference to catching a blue bird and a rainbow speaks to the idea of capturing rare and beautiful things, which is what Joe represents to the singer. The reference to "a certain man with eyes that shine" suggests that Joe has a certain charisma or charm that draws people in.


The chorus of the song repeats the idea that happiness is just a thing called Joe. The singer describes him with glowing terms, such as his smile that makes flowers grow and his presence that makes the angels sigh. She goes on to say that even when things are tough, Joe's love makes everything seem like Christmas. The ultimate message of the song is that happiness is not something that can be found through material possessions or success. Instead, it is found in the love and companionship of someone like Joe.


Line by Line Meaning

Skies ain't gonna cloud no more
The future is bright and promising, there is no room for despair.


The crops ain't gonna fail
Everything is going to work out, there is no need for worry.


Caught a blue bird by the toe
I am experiencing moments of good luck and good fortune.


A rainbow by the tail
Life is full of beauty and wonder and I am experiencing joy and happiness.


A certain man with eyes that shine
I have met a special man whose presence brings light into my life.


Voodooed up this heart of mine
He has captivated my heart and soul, and I am under his spell.


It seems like
From my perspective, it is apparent that


Happiness is just a thing called Joe
My source of joy and contentment is the love I share with Joe.


He's got a smile that makes the lilacs want to grow
Joe's smile has an enchanting effect that fills my world with beauty and life.


He's got a way that makes the angels heave a sigh
Joe has a special quality that makes everything seem better and more peaceful.


When they see little Joe passing by
Even heavenly beings are awed by the goodness and love that Joe embodies.


Sometimes the cabin's gloomy and the table's bare
Even when times are tough and resources are limited, I am sustained by the love and affection that Joe gives me.


But when he kisses me it's Christmas everywhere
Joe's love for me is a gift, and every time he shows me affection or love, I feel as though I am experiencing the joy and magic of Christmas.


Troubles fly away and life is easy
Joe's presence has a calming effect that makes life feel less complex and burdensome.


Does he love me good?
My only concern is whether or not Joe loves me fully and completely.


That's all I need to know
Because Joe's love sustains me, nothing else truly matters.


Little Joe
Joe is not only my source of happiness, but a special treasure who brings light into my life.


Little Joe
Joe is always and forever the source of my deepest joy and contentment.


Little Joe
There is no one quite like Joe, and I cherish every moment we share.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@alanndrake2619

blakegriplingph where in the files is the driver ( who is most likely Pepe) listed as Joe?I'd love to see it. If Joe were still alive, they wouldn't make a whole mission centered around Vito getting revenge for his death;plus with the popularity of the franchise they could have easily made Mafia 3 to take place on the heels of 2 and save Lincolns story for 4.







Oh and there's also Hangar 13 Creative Director/Studio Head Haden Blackman who was questioned in multiple interviews if the game would settle what happened to Joe Barbaro. On every instance he stated that the game would definitely reveal what happened to Joe. He never said it would be hinted at, he never said there would be clues that we could piece together and interpret on our own, he said in plain English that if you spent time with Vito and do his side missions, the game would reveal what happened to Joe. The only thing keeping this alive is fan theories and the fact that not only did the game get subpar reviews but Hangar 13 didn't plan on people being so upset about Joe's death, hence some of the strange tweets after the game came out. Of course video entertainment can always find ways to bring back the presumed dead but at this point there is nothing solid to pin that theory on.



@steelsamba

Skies ain't gonna cloud no more
The crops ain't gonna fail
Caught a blue bird by the toe
A rainbow by the tail
A certain man with eyes that shine
Voodooed up this heart of mine

It seems like
Happiness is just a thing called Joe
He's got a smile that makes the lilacs want to grow
He's got a way that makes the angels heave a sigh
When they see little Joe passing by
Sometimes the cabin's gloomy and the table's bare
But when he kisses me it's Christmas everywhere
Troubles fly away and life is easy
Does he love me good?
That's all I need to know
Seems like happiness is just a thing called Joe
Little Joe
Little Joe
Little Joe



@billsebring445

This song always makes me ugly cry….I had a beautiful loving Egyptian Mau cat named Adjo, and his nickname was Joe.

I’d loved that sweet little clown when I met him as a baby and adopted him. I lost him when he was 10, died in my arms.

He was love and silliness and comfort on 4 legs. He was my snuggle buddy and my baby boy. When Peggy sings the words “little Joe” I just burst into tears thinking of my little baby boy. How much I miss him and how much his brother Moe misses him.

This is a beautiful sweet song and it fills me with warmth and happiness….and tears.

Love you always my little bearcat Joe.



All comments from YouTube:

@blakegriplingph

Happiness is just a thing called Joe Barbaro.

@nurkenrustem6044

blakegriplingph I’m sweetest chubby!

@blancoz9000

Until we see u again Mr Barbaro ;)

@igorwargo3462

😂

@Stefan-313

When you drive in winter night in Mafia II

@aleksandarmandic6679

Chapter 14 when you driving in the middle of the night to the Bruno.

@willmawonkatiktok476

Am I the only one who refuses to get out of the car when this song comes on in mafia 2??

@Jeffisme555

Nahhh, not at all

@dantealighary8400

I just discovered this absolute gem on mafia 2, just now on 2024.😅

@mustid2441

Still my favourite game, love Mafia 2, wish they made a remastered version for the upcoming PS5

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