The band was formed by Dot, Betty, and Helen on the insistence of their father, Austin Wiggin, who believed that his mother foresaw their rise to stardom. The only studio album, 'Philosophy of the World', was released in 1969 and failed to garner attention, though the band continued to exist as a locally popular live act. The group disbanded in 1975 after the death of Austin.
The Shaggs have a consistent (but highly idiosyncratic) approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm. The songs use irregular verse structures, which are emphasized by the melodic structures. These typically accord one note per syllable: the guitar accompaniment attempts to reproduce this pattern as well. Most of the Shaggs material is made up of eighth- and quarter-notes.
Posthumously, the band gained notoriety and praise for their unconventional style, and lyrical honesty. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain highlighted their work for praise. Frank Zappa named 'Philosophy of the World' one of his favorite records. He even said they were "better than The Beatles." 'Philosophy of the World' was later reissued on Rounder, the label of the rock group NRBQ, and the compilation 'Shaggs' Own Thing' was released in 1982.
I'm So Happy When You're Near
The Shaggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm so sad when you're away
I've been happy almost every day
Now that you're here to stay
But when you have to leave
Then I'll start to grieve
Every time it's a different road
I never know what to do
I'm so lonesome without you
When you're far away
You are always in my dreams
And when you're home to stay
We make a perfect team
It's so hard to have to wait for you
To ride into the gate
But when you get there
We have many news and feelings to share
I know it has to be
I know it can't be changed
But sometimes I think we are
Completely insane
If we could see each other more
It wouldn't be so bad
If we could only find the open door
We wouldn't be so sad
So until we find the right door
You'll have to leave again
And once more both our lives will be
Very dim
The Shaggs’ song “I’m So Happy When You’re Near” from their album “Philosophy of the World” expresses the singer's instant emotional response to their loved one’s presence or absence. The song starts off with the singer expressing their overwhelming joy when their loved one is nearby, but the mood immediately shifts to sadness at the thought of their departure. The singer then laments the fact that their loved one has to leave so often and that it's difficult to cope with their absence. Despite their longing, the singer finds solace in dreams of their loved one and looks forward to their reunion where they can share their news and feelings.
The song is a poignant portrayal of the love and attachment that one person can have for another, and how the presence or absence of that person can greatly affect their emotions. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they convey a deep sense of longing and desperation that many people can relate to. They capture the feeling of missing someone and the idea that the heart desires what it can’t always have. It's a reminder of how our emotions can be inextricably linked to the people we care about and how their proximity or distance can have a profound impact on our happiness and well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so happy when you're near
I experience genuine happiness when you are in close proximity to me.
I'm so sad when you're away
I experience genuine sadness when you are not in close proximity to me.
I've been happy almost every day
My life has been largely positive and filled with joy until moments when you are far away.
Now that you're here to stay
With the knowledge that you plan on being here for the long-term, I can feel assured and content.
But when you have to leave
Although I understand the necessity of your departure, I am still filled with disappointment.
Then I'll start to grieve
My heart will be overwhelmed with sadness when you leave my side.
Every week you have to go
You are required to leave every week, which is a difficult reality for me.
Every time it's a different road
The path that you must take to fulfill your obligations is unpredictable and ever-changing.
I never know what to do
When you're gone, I feel lost and unable to make decisions.
I'm so lonesome without you
The absence of your presence leaves me feeling empty and alone.
When you're far away
Even when you're not physically present, you continue to exist within my dreams and thoughts.
You are always in my dreams
I am constantly thinking of you, even when you are not physically present.
And when you're home to stay
When you finally return home, we function together in harmony.
We make a perfect team
Our relationship is seamless and effortless when we are reunited.
It's so hard to have to wait for you
The anticipation of your return is challenging and difficult to endure.
To ride into the gate
The moment of your arrival feels triumphant and rewarding.
But when you get there
Once you've arrived, we have much to catch up on and share with one another.
We have many news and feelings to share
Our time of separation has allowed for many experiences and emotions to be exchanged upon reunion.
I know it has to be
Although difficult, I acknowledge that our separation is necessary.
I know it can't be changed
It is beyond our control to alter the circumstances that require your absence.
But sometimes I think we are
Occasionally I consider the idea that our situation is slightly irrational or illogical.
Completely insane
Our longing for each other despite such frequent separation may seem crazy to outsiders.
If we could see each other more
If the opportunity for increased physical proximity existed, our situation would significantly improve.
It wouldn't be so bad
Our current difficulty would be alleviated with an increase in time spent together.
If we could only find the open door
We are desperately searching for an opportunity to be together more frequently.
We wouldn't be so sad
Our emotions of loneliness and sadness would be lessened if we were able to find more time together.
So until we find the right door
Until an opportunity for increased time together presents itself, we will continue to struggle with frequent departures.
You'll have to leave again
Your obligations demand that you will inevitably need to depart once again.
And once more both our lives will be
Both of our existences will once again be difficult to endure when separated.
Very dim
Our moods will be overcome with sadness once separated again.
Contributed by Avery H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
j.c.
on Philosophy of the World
"Whenever at ease"
might be "We're never at ease" ?