For over a decade, Plain White T's have been playing to packed audiences craving for that perfect pop-punk punch. Their journey, which began in a small suburban basement playing covers, has taken the band to Warped Tour three times, and landed them opening slots for bands like Jimmy Eat World and AFI. Plain White T's are road warriors in the truest sense and with their first major label album, Every Second Counts, the band is ready to rock in a big way.
PWT's story started back in high school, when frontman Tom Higgenson first stepped into Chicago's famed rock club the Metro and saw his future on the stage. With the local music scene exploding nationally courtesy of bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Veruca Salt, he decided the time was ripe for his own dreams to be realized. Armed with paper, pen, and guitar, Tom went to task, experimenting with lyrics and melodies on a four-track in his parents' Villa Park, Illinois home. Once he'd reached a level of comfort with his songwriting, he worked up the courage to hand off a tape to Christian Lane, singer of 90's buzz band Loud Lucy, and to his surprise, Christian actually listened to it.
Once he'd recruited a group of school pals, including guitarist Dave Tirio, it was only a matter of a couple years before Plain White T's, who'd attracted a loyal following thanks to Tom's ridiculously melodic tales of teen angst and loveless nights, were playing the Metro themselves.
The music industry took notice of that success and after selling thousands of copies of their self-released 2002 debut, Stop, PWT's were picked up by Fearless Records who re-issued the album along with 2005's All That We Needed. But it was their heartfelt, acoustic-tinged "Hey There Delilah" that cemented their status as potential hitmakers.
Tom's songwriting evolved after the success of the romantically frank "Delilah," which really was a departure for a band known for their energetic powerpop. On Hollywood Records debut, Every Second Counts, Tom, along with bandmates Mike Retondo (bass and vocals), De'Mar Hamilton (drums), and Tim Lopez (guitar, vocals), continues to turn the personal into the universal. Throughout the album, he sings of hook-ups and break-ups and the emotional rollercoaster in between. A prime example is lead single "Hate (I Really Don't Like You)." In a similar vein, the lyrics for "Friends Don't Let Friends Dial Drunk" also showcases Tom's offbeat take on love and life, while its melody sucks you in with every turn of phrase. Delving slightly deeper into emotional territory are upbeat tracks like "Our Time Now" and "Come Back to Me" as well as one of the album's quieter numbers, "Write You a Song."
In 2008, the group released the album 'Big Bad World'. The album had two hit singles: "1, 2, 3, 4" and "Natural Disaster". Both were on the American Top 40 at numbers 1 and 2 for three consecutive weeks. By late 2008, the band had joined the Rock Band Live tour with Panic! at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional and The Cab. Later that year, the band played at the Give It a Name festival in the UK. In 2007, the band performed the single "Our Time Now" on an episode of the Nickelodeon television series, iCarly. "Our Time Now" was also the theme song of the ABC Family dramedy series, Greek.
The band's "Rhythm of Love" single was the first to be released from the group's 2010 album, The Wonders of the Younger.' The song reached number five on the Hot AC chart, and was in the top ten in 2010 as well. In 2012, the band also covered The Ramones' "Pet Sematary" for the song soundtrack of the 2012 Disney film Frankenweenie. Should've Gone to Bed, a four-song EP, was released on April 9, 2013.
The band left Hollywood Records after creative conflicts with the label during the production of the American Nights album. 'American Nights' was released by Megaforce Records on March 31, 2015.
In 2015, they also appeared on Blues Traveler's album Blow Up the Moon, co-writing the song "Nikkia's Prom." On November 22, 2015, the band released a music video for "American Nights" featuring Higgenson's son, Lennon.
In May 2017, Plain White T's released a music video for their song "Land of the Living." The band, which had left their label Fearless Records in 2005, returned to the label. As of April 2017, the band have said that they are currently writing new music.
Happy
Plain White T's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sick of feeling so bad
I wanna be happy, happy, happy
What's the point of being sad?
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
Got this day and I don't wanna waste it
Wanna have fun without getting wasted
Yeah, I chase it
There ain't no rain fallin'
Got all my friends callin'
I need a little sunshine up on my face
Cruisin' up PCH
Sounds like the perfect day, yeah
I wanna feel good
Sick of feeling so bad
I wanna be happy, happy, happy
What's the point of being sad?
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
All the stars in the sky shine like we can
Every day, every night is the weekend
You and I
We could dive off the deep end
Off the deep end
'Cause ever since I saw you
I couldn't wait to call you
I need a little moonlight up on my face
You on my pillowcase
Sounds like the perfect day, yeah
I wanna feel good
Sick of feeling so bad
I wanna be happy, happy, happy
What's the point of being sad?
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
I got this day and I don't wanna waste it
I'm loving life and I want to embrace it
Feelin' this feeling I don't wanna shake it
Wanna shake it
I wanna feel good
Sick of feeling so bad
I wanna be happy, happy, happy
I just wanna be happy, happy, happy
I wanna feel good
Sick of feeling so bad
I wanna be happy, happy, happy
What's the point of being sad?
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
In the first paragraph, the lyrics express a desire to feel good and be happy, highlighting the singer's dissatisfaction with feeling bad. The repeated phrase "I wanna feel good" emphasizes the longing for a positive emotional state. The lyrics question the purpose of being sad and suggest that happiness is a more fulfilling state to strive for.
Moving on to the second paragraph, the lyrics convey a sense of urgency and a determination to make the most of the day. The singer wants to have fun without resorting to excessive partying or substance use. The thrill of pursuing happiness is compared to a chase, expressing the singer's active pursuit of joy and fulfillment.
The third paragraph brings a shift in focus to the external factors contributing to happiness. The absence of rain is seen as a representation of an obstacle-free, positive environment. The mentioning of friends calling and seeking sunshine on the face suggests the importance of social connections and the positive impact they have on one's mood. Cruising up PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) is seen as a symbol of freedom and enjoyment, creating the ideal day.
In the final paragraph, the lyrics emphasize the strong connection between the singer and another person. The writer expresses the anticipation of calling this special person and the desire for moonlight on their face, highlighting the romantic aspect of happiness. The imagery of the person being on the singer's pillowcase suggests a sense of comfort and safety, further enhancing the desire for a joyful state.
Overall, the lyrics of "Happy" by Plain White T's convey a longing for emotional well-being and a rejection of negative feelings. The song emphasizes the pursuit of happiness through personal choices, positive social interactions, and significant relationships. It encourages embracing life, seizing the moment, and finding joy in everyday experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna feel good
I desire to experience positivity and satisfaction in my life
Sick of feeling so bad
Tired of experiencing negativity and unhappiness
I wanna be happy, happy, happy
I aspire to attain a state of joy and contentment
What's the point of being sad?
There is no purpose in dwelling in sadness
Yeah, yeah, I wanna feel good
Yes, indeed, I long to experience a positive emotional state
Got this day and I don't wanna waste it
I have the present moment and I wish to make the most of it
Wanna have fun without getting wasted
Desiring to enjoy myself without resorting to excessive indulgence
Love the thrill of the chase so I chase it
I am fond of the excitement that comes with pursuing something and actively pursue it
There ain't no rain fallin'
There is no sadness or negative circumstances present
Got all my friends callin'
My friends are reaching out to me
I need a little sunshine up on my face
I require some positivity and happiness in my life
Cruisin' up PCH
Enjoying a leisurely drive along Pacific Coast Highway
Sounds like the perfect day, yeah
This sounds like an ideal day for me
All the stars in the sky shine like we can
The stars in the sky represent possibilities and potential for success
Every day, every night is the weekend
Every day feels like a weekend, a time for relaxation and enjoyment
You and I
Referring to the connection and companionship between two individuals
We could dive off the deep end
We have the opportunity to take risks and explore new and exciting experiences
'Cause ever since I saw you
Since the first time I laid eyes on you
I couldn't wait to call you
I eagerly anticipated reaching out to you
I need a little moonlight up on my face
I desire a touch of romance and affection in my life
You on my pillowcase
Imagining the presence of a loved one in my thoughts and dreams
Sounds like the perfect day, yeah
This scenario represents an ideal day for me
I got this day and I don't wanna waste it
I possess this day and I don't want to squander its potential
I'm loving life and I want to embrace it
I am truly enjoying my existence and wish to fully accept and appreciate it
Feelin' this feeling I don't wanna shake it
Experiencing a positive emotion that I do not want to let go of
Wanna shake it
I wish to maintain and hold onto this positive feeling
I just wanna be happy, happy, happy
I simply desire to achieve and sustain a state of happiness
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ronald Ish, Thomas Higgenson, Zachary Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DamningTooth1
Just heard these guys play this live. Good stuff! 🤙🏻
@hellfire_95
Saw you guys the last two days at epcot! Really missed seeing yall in concert. Lost count but I think I've seen you guys about 15 times from 2007 to now (not including the epcot days lol) I feel like I've grown up with yall ❤️ keep it coming and I'll see you next year at epcot! Great new song btw! Loved it!
@chandapfeifer7944
I saw them there too. Went in only knowing a couple songs and left a fan!
@alexanderredlin8493
You are the Disney crew he talked about in Immokalee good mfers and good music incredible shows aswell
@rosiemeals4ever238
This song is so underrated, this is my new fav song!! I just love how uplifting it is!!
@vickivasta5733
Looking forward to new album. This is awesome live.
@myralhf
Great song...great band!
@EmmanuelMartinez-EMT
LOVE THIS!
@hoosiergirl8727
Loving this! ❤️❤❤
@vpproductions6544
You really gotta give them some praise, especially even after half the group left