The band is best known for their 1996 hit "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand."
Years active:
1985–1991 (as I-Rails)
1991–1994 (O'Connor solo)
1996–present
Are You Happy
Primitive Radio Gods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Does your sun set high?
Does your sun set high?
Hey, are you happy?
If you're not, then why?
If you're not, then why?
Hey, are you with me?
Are you dead inside?
Hey, can you hear me?
If you can't, then why?
If you can't, then why?
It's hard not to listen to what they say
It's not gonna matter anyway
Diving through hoops made of fire isn't scary
It's the guy with the whip and the smile who can barely
Remember the days when his mother was Mary
When the man slams you down
Get up and walk around
Hey, are you happy?
Does your sun set high?
Does your sun set high?
Hey, are you with me?
If you're not, then why?
If you're not, then why?
It's hard not to listen to what they say
It's not gonna matter anyway
Diving through hoops made of fire isn't scary
It's the guy with the whip and the smile who can barely
Remember the days when his mother was Mary
When the man slams you down
Get up and walk around
It's hard not to listen to what they say
It's not gonna matter anyway
Diving through hoops made of fire isn't scary
It's the guy with the whip and the smile who can barely
Remember the days when his mother was Mary
When the man slams you down
Get up and walk around
Get up and walk around
Get up and walk around
The lyrics to Primitive Radio Gods' song "Are You Happy?" are a series of poignant and introspective questions about a person's emotional state. The opening line "Hey, are you happy?" is followed by queries about whether one's "sun sets high," whether one is "dead inside," and whether one can "hear" or "with" the singer. The repetition of the phrase "If you're not [happy], then why?" highlights the importance of answering these questions honestly.
The chorus provides an interesting contrast to the rest of the song, as it asserts that "It's hard not to listen to what they say" but that "It's not gonna matter anyway." The repetition of the line "Diving through hoops made of fire isn't scary" is followed by the striking imagery of "the guy with the whip and the smile who can barely / Remember the days when his mother was Mary." The final lines of the song suggest a call to action, as the singer urges the listener to "Get up and walk around" after being "slammed down" by life.
Overall, the lyrics to "Are You Happy?" use simple but evocative language to explore complex emotions and themes. The song encourages self-reflection and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, are you happy?
Asking if the person is truly happy.
Does your sun set high?
Do good things happen to them and have they achieved their dreams?, but in a more metaphorical manner.
If you're not, then why?
Asking why the person isn't happy, as if trying to help them find the root cause of their unhappiness.
Are you dead inside?
Asking the person if they have no emotions, no spark to live life, no true joy.
If you can't, then why?
Asking why the person cannot hear them or their words, trying to find out what is stopping them from communicating.
It's hard not to listen to what they say
Acknowledging that people tend to listen and follow the words of others, even if they don't want to or if it's not beneficial to them.
It's not gonna matter anyway
Suggesting that whatever the people say or do won't have a significant impact anyway.
Diving through hoops made of fire isn't scary
Metaphorically speaking about how people tend to face challenges, choosing to face them without fear, even if they're dangerous or risky.
It's the guy with the whip and the smile who can barely
Referring to those in a position of authority or power, who at times will use their control and influence over others to their advantage.
Remember the days when his mother was Mary
Reminding the listener of a simpler time when things were more innocent and pure, highlighting their present corruption and complexity.
When the man slams you down
Referring to any setback, failure, or disappointment that a person may face as they go through life.
Get up and walk around
Instructing the listener to keep moving forward, to not let any setback interrupt their journey, and to seek new opportunities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER JOHN O'CONNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind