Stephen Lee Bruner, stage name Thundercat (b. October 19 1984, Los Angeles,… Read Full Bio ↴Stephen Lee Bruner, stage name Thundercat (b. October 19 1984, Los Angeles, CA, USA) is a virtuoso bassist, composer, producer and singer. Born into a family of musicians, he and his brother were part of legendary thrash punks Suicidal Tendencies (since 16 years of age) - Bruner has collaborated with many, including jams with Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller and Stanley Clarke.

“I do believe that hip-hop can be the new jazz, and I’m helping create that”, Bruner said in an interview to Bass Player, in 2008.

He is part of the new generation of jazz literate, hip-hop loving instrumentalists who can play beyond traditional limits - a mutant jazz cat - and that’s how 'Thundercat' (a monicker he chose), suits him well (even if it’s purely the result of an unhealthy cartoon addiction dating back to childhood).

Miguel's Happy Dance
Thundercat Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do the fuckin' happy dance
When you, when you really fuckin' lit
I guess that it's supposed to subside
Even though you're probably really lit
Even if you're really, really sad
You could probably be worse
Just let that sink in for a while

It's okay
If it's not going your away
It never was
Don't believe the hype
It's probably all covered in lies
I should take my own advice

Even if it hurts
It's always gonna hurt the same
Hurt the same
Dance away the pain
It's gonna be alright

Just do the fuckin' dance
Even if you start to cry
It's okay
Everything will be alright
Take your time
Rome wasn't built in a day
It's okay
It's time to dance away the pain
It's alright

Just do the happy dance
Even if you're not alright
It's okay
Joy inside your pain
That's alright
Sometimes we're just things
And then you're gone
Just dance
You will be okay

Keep dancin'
Even though you're running around again
It's alright

Dance
The sun will eventually shine

Overall Meaning

Thundercat's "Miguel's Happy Dance" is an uplifting, gospel-inspired track that encourages listeners to remain positive and keep dancing regardless of life's challenges. The song's catchy hook encourages listeners to "do the fucking happy dance" even when they "really, really sad" because it's essential to let go of the pain and live in the moment; dance away the pain. This line conveys the message that even when things are not going as planned, one should keep moving forward and never forget to find joy in the little things.

The verses acknowledge that life can be unpredictable, and it's rarely as positive as it seems. The lyrics encourage resilience and stress the importance of letting go of expectations, for instance, "don't believe the hype, it's probably all covered in lies." The song's premise is that it's better to focus on the present and finding joy in the moment rather than obsessing over what's to come or dwelling on the past. The overarching message is to dance, push through the pain, and enjoy the little things in life.

Overall, "Miguel's Happy Dance" is a compelling call to remain positive in the face of adversity. This song highlights the importance of finding joy in the moment, staying positive, and pushing through life's challenges.

Line by Line Meaning

Do the fuckin' happy dance
Perform a dance expressing your joy

When you, when you really fuckin' lit
When you are in a state of euphoria

I guess that it's supposed to subside
This feeling may wear off with time

Even though you're probably really lit
Despite this feeling, you may still be sad

Even if you're really, really sad
Even in a state of deep despair

You could probably be worse
Things could be more difficult

Just let that sink in for a while
Take some time to consider this

It's okay
It's acceptable

If it's not going your away
If everything isn't working out

It never was
It was never meant to be

Don't believe the hype
Don't trust everything you hear