With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Stay Happy
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slush puppies, foul pavements
Ice cream comes up on their pagers
Break them up with a bucket of water
Kids waving, shake babies
Smile candy through splinters
Squeezed into ill fitting stitches
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
You're funny, not happy
Self-effacing, self protected
Please save me from the wretched
Please save me from the wretched
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Stay happy
Did you get enough sleep?
You look so tired go to the beach
The lyrics of Therapy?'s song "Stay Happy" seem to be about trying to maintain happiness and joy in the midst of a challenging, sometimes dark world. The first verse paints a vivid image of a city with slushy pavements and children waving, but also with the unpleasant presence of foul odors and potentially dangerous objects like splinters. The repetition of "Stay happy" throughout the song seems to be a reminder to oneself, or perhaps to someone else, to strive for happiness despite these difficult circumstances.
The second verse seems to describe someone who is able to be funny, but not truly happy. They are self-deprecating and guarded, unwilling to reveal their true emotions. The plea for someone to "save me from the wretched" suggests a desire for companionship and support in achieving happiness.
Overall, the song appears to be a call to remain positive and cheerful even when the world around us can be dark and challenging.
Line by Line Meaning
Slush puppies, foul pavements
The environment seems depressing, with dirty and unclean public spaces.
Ice cream comes up on their pagers
People's priorities and motivations are low and materialistic. They only care about sweets and desserts.
Break them up with a bucket of water
The singer is urging people to break free from this cycle of apathy and lack of concern for the world around them.
Kids waving, shake babies
The younger generation is the hopeful future that needs to be nurtured and supported.
Smile candy through splinters
The world is a tough place, and happiness is hard to find, like candy stuck in the middle of thorns.
Squeezed into ill fitting stitches
People feel trapped, uncomfortable, and unsettled in their lives.
Stay happy
Despite everything, the singer is urging themselves and others to stay positive and hopeful.
You're funny, not happy
The artist is addressing someone who is trying to hide their unhappiness with humor.
Self-effacing, self protected
The person is trying to protect themselves and their vulnerability by downplaying their emotions.
Please save me from the wretched
The person is asking for help and support in their struggle against their negative feelings and outlook on life.
Did you get enough sleep?
The singer is concerned for the well-being of the person addressed, and their emotional state.
You look so tired go to the beach
The artist is suggesting that maybe the person needs a break, and to take some time off for themselves to rest and recharge.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS, GRAHAM HOPKINS, MARTIN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL ROBERT MCKEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind