Premiering in 1969, this educational television show aimed at preschoolers … Read Full Bio ↴Premiering in 1969, this educational television show aimed at preschoolers has charmed generations of youngsters ever since. The show - featuring a lovable cast of characters including Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Snuffy, Grover and many others - has delighted and educated children and adults alike, with its collection of songs, skits, and celebrity guest appearances.

Shiny Happy People
Sesame Street Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Furry happy monsters laughing
Monsters having fun
Happy, happy
See them jump and run
Happy, happy
Laughing all the while
Cheerful, cheerful
Flashing a big smile

That's a perfect sign
That they're feeling fine

Furry, happy monsters feeling glad
Furry, happy monsters feeling glad
Furry, happy monsters laughing

Something has gone wrong
Sighing, sighing
Faces have turned long
Crying, crying
Hear them sob and whine
Tearful, tearful
That's a real good sign
That they're feeling glum
Sad, sad times have come

Furry sobbing monsters feeling sad
Furry sobbing monsters feeling sad
Furry sobbing monsters crying

Come on, monsters! You don't have to cry, we can be happy!

Furry happy monsters feeling glad
Furry happy monsters feeling glad
Furry happy monsters laughing
Furry sobbing monsters feeling sad
Furry sobbing monsters feeling sad
Furry sobbing monsters crying
Furry happy monsters feeling glad
Furry happy monsters feeling glad
Furry happy monsters laughing
Monsters, happy monsters
Happy monsters
Monsters, happy monsters
Happy monsters

Monsters, happy monsters
Happy monsters

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sesame Street's song, "Shiny Happy People" express the emotional states of a group of monsters. At first, they are furry and happy, seen as cheerful and flashing big smiles, jumping and running around while laughing all the while. They are feeling fine and everything seems great. However, suddenly, something goes wrong and the monsters' faces turn long. They start sobbing and crying, showing that sad times have come. But then a voice encourages them, reminding them that they do not have to cry, and they can be happy again. Finally, the monsters become happy again, laughing and jumping around once more.

The song, with its simple lyrics and catchy tune, is meant to teach young children about emotions and how they can change quickly. It expresses the idea that while sometimes we may feel sad or upset, it is possible to overcome those feelings and be happy once again.

Line by Line Meaning

Furry happy monsters laughing
Monsters with fur are laughing joyfully

Monsters having fun
The monsters are enjoying themselves

Happy, happy
They are filled with happiness

See them jump and run
Observe them leaping and sprinting

Happy, happy
Their elation persists

Laughing all the while
They are continuously giggling

Cheerful, cheerful
They are filled with cheer

Flashing a big smile
A significant grin appears on their faces

That's a perfect sign
Their actions suggest they are in an ideal state

That they're feeling fine
They are in good spirits

Furry sobbing monsters feeling sad
Monsters with fur are weeping and feeling dejected