Shiny Happy People 1
R.E.M. Lyrics


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Shiny happy people laughing

Meet me in the crowd, people, people
Throw your love around, love me, love me
Take it into town, happy, happy
Put it in the ground where the flowers grow
Gold and silver shine
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Everyone around, love them, love them
Put it in your hands, take it, take it
There's no time to cry, happy, happy
Put it in your heart, where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Whoa, here we go

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)




Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)
Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to R.E.M.'s "Shiny Happy People" can be interpreted in many ways. On the surface, the song seems like an upbeat tune about happiness and love, with the repeated refrain of "shiny happy people holding hands." However, many listeners have interpreted the song in a more satirical or ironic light, as a commentary on the artificiality and superficiality of modern society.


The lyrics begin with an invitation to "meet me in the crowd" and "throw your love around." This could be interpreted as a call for connection and community, but could also be seen as a commentary on the way we often seek validation from others and the need to conform to societal expectations. The repeated mention of gold and silver shining could highlight the focus on material possessions and status in modern society.


The chorus of "shiny happy people holding hands" emphasizes the superficiality of the happiness being depicted. The use of the word "shiny" instead of "happy" adds to this feeling of artificiality, and the repetition of the line throughout the song creates a sense of monotony and emptiness. The call to "love them, love them" and "take it into town" could be seen as a commentary on the pressure to always be outgoing and social, even when we may not feel genuine happiness.


Overall, "Shiny Happy People" could be seen as a commentary on the hollowness of modern society's pursuit of happiness and the ways we often sacrifice authenticity and deeper connections for surface-level interactions and the trappings of success.


Line by Line Meaning

Shiny happy people laughing
People with bright and joyful dispositions laughing cheerfully


Meet me in the crowd, people, people
Let us all gather together in a group of like-minded individuals


Throw your love around, love me, love me
Spread your love generously and let it encompass everyone, including me


Take it into town, happy, happy
Show your happiness to the world outside, radiate positivity


Put it in the ground where the flowers grow
Let your love and joy take root and grow, spreading beauty like flowers


Gold and silver shine
Precious metals gleaming and shining


Shiny happy people holding hands
People with bright and joyful dispositions holding hands with others


Everyone around, love them, love them
Spread love to every person in your immediate surrounds


Put it in your hands, take it, take it
Take love and joy into your own hands and embrace it fully


There's no time to cry, happy, happy
Let go of sadness and embrace a joyous spirit


Put it in your heart where tomorrow shines
Store that love and joy in your hearts, where it will radiate and brighten your tomorrow


Whoa, here we go
A call to gather a group and follow along on a positive journey




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck, William Berry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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