Davey von Bohlen - vocals, guitar
Jason Gnewikow - guitar, keyboards
Dan Didier - drums
Scott Schoenbeck - bass
Happy Hour
The Promise Ring Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From witching to happy hour.
Which is hours and hours away from here.
And god, all of these ears and eyes,
Familiar faces and family ties.
Which is ours and ours alone.
Where are we living now.
Hey J, I'm unraveling.
Which may or may not come in.
And JoAnn says, "follow your hands."
They don't know because they don't remember.
Where are we living now.
The Promise Ring's song "Happy Hour" portrays a person struggling with their identity and their place in the world. The lyrics "Hey, Hey, where are we living now, from witching to happy hour," juxtapose two completely different settings, one magical and mysterious, the other mundane and commonplace. The singer seems to be longing for the former, but is stuck in the latter, surrounded by familiar faces and family ties. The line "And god, all of these ears and eyes" implies that the character feels like they are constantly being watched and judged by those around them, adding to their feelings of isolation and disconnection.
The verse "Hey J, I'm unraveling. I might be on the next train, which may or may not come in," indicates a desire to escape and start over, but also a fear of the unknown. The character is torn between following their instincts and staying put in the familiar. The line "And JoAnn says, 'follow your hands'" suggests that the character's friend is encouraging them to trust their gut and take a risk, but at the same time, the singer isn't sure if they're ready to let go of what they know.
Overall, "Happy Hour" is a poignant reflection on the struggle to find oneself and the fear that comes with taking a step into the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Hey, where are we living now,
Asks where the singer is currently situated.
From witching to happy hour.
Describes the transition from an unspecified activity to happy hour.
Which is hours and hours away from here.
Suggests that the happy hour mentioned is far away from the current location.
And god, all of these ears and eyes,
Expresses the artist's discomfort and uneasiness around a crowd of people.
Familiar faces and family ties.
Notes that the people around the artist are acquaintances or relatives.
Which is ours and ours alone.
Highlights the singer's sense of individuality and detachment from the crowd.
Where are we living now.
Repeats the initial inquiry into the singer's location.
Hey J, I'm unraveling.
Advises J of the artist's struggle or confusion.
I might be on the next train,
Entertains the possibility of leaving the current setting behind and starting anew.
Which may or may not come in.
Acknowledges the uncertainty of this decision.
And JoAnn says, "follow your hands."
Relays JoAnn's advice regarding taking control of one's own destiny.
They don't know because they don't remember.
Indicates that the people around the artist lack the insight or understanding to provide meaningful advice or guidance.
Where are we living now.
Concludes the song with another repetition of the opening query.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DANIEL JOHN DIDIER, DAVID S VON BOHLEN, JASON P GNEWIKOW, SCOTT MICHAEL SCHOENBECK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind