Tones on Tail's music is psychedelic/surrealist with a heavy English gothic rock vibe. It is textural and introspective and exhibits Ash's characteristically clean production. The band made a point of having each song sound as different as possible. In concert, the band sported all-white as a reaction to Bauhaus's all-black look. They never achieved a large following, though the track Go! is a retro dance club staple and a frequent addition to 1980s music compilations.
The band's back catalog has been subjected to a lot of compilations and reissues over the years; collecting the entire Tones on Tail discography was a difficult task. This was the situation until the 1998 release of Everything!, an appropriately named two-CD set of every track, fully remastered, plus a radio interview with Ash and Campling. The first disc contains the band's sole album Pop, while the second disc collects the rest of the band's work.
happiness
Tones on Tail Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Destroys a different style
To let her pass you by
it's no good
If only we could walk away
With all this out my way
To be without you
To grab the biggest cake
Give life it's zest and taste
This is the truth my friend
It's no good
Happiness is success
Sussess brings hope, hope
It's no good
The lyrics to Tones on Tail's "Happiness" are about the struggles of desire and the pursuit of happiness. The first verse talks about how being without desire can destroy something unique about a person's style. However, the second line suggests that allowing someone who is desired to pass by is not a good thing. The next verse talks about the desire to get rid of all obstacles and just walk away from the difficulties. But it also implies that being without the person who is causing the trouble is not good either.
The chorus brings everything together quite succinctly. It says that happiness is success, which in turn brings hope. Although, the last line "it's no good" feels like a bit of a contradiction. The song appears to highlight the struggle between wanting something, and then feeling like it's not worthwhile once obtained. The message seems to suggest that while desire can drive a person forward, it isn't always for the better.
Line by Line Meaning
To be without desire
Not having ambition or craving anything can ruin uniqueness and creativity.
Destroys a different style
Without ambition, one cannot stand out among others and become exceptional.
To let her pass you by
Missing the opportunity to be with someone special can lead to regret and dissatisfaction.
it's no good
This situation is not acceptable or desirable.
If only we could walk away
We wish we could leave this behind and start anew.
With all this out my way
Removing obstacles and difficulties that are holding us back from our goals and desires.
To be without you
Being away from someone you love can be painful and unsatisfying.
It's no good
This situation is not acceptable or desirable.
To grab the biggest cake
To seize the greatest opportunities and make the most out of life.
Give life it's zest and taste
Making life flavorful and exciting by taking chances and stepping outside of one's comfort zone.
This is the truth my friend
This statement is honest and factual, my companion.
It's no good
This situation is not acceptable or desirable.
Happiness is success
Achieving happiness is the ultimate triumph in life.
Sussess brings hope, hope
Being successful brings a sense of optimism and positive expectation for the future.
It's no good
This situation is not acceptable or desirable.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANIEL GASTON ASH, GLENN DEREK CAMPLING, KEVIN HASKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lisa Leone
daniel ash is awesome, i have been addicted to his voice for years.
bijeto
Hot September night on the strip, falling leaves, the bar in the foyer of a formerly decadent apartment, black porcelain walls, a bottle of absinthe...and this song.
kristicarmen
I will organize a tap dance routine to this in my old folks home. lol. If ya don't get the sarcasm to this....
Leslie Schmidt
too funny
David Hall
brings back great memories
Dessy Wilson
This album would ne really great background in a movie ~! Probably is ~!
kristicarmen
No words, but thanks. SOOO GOOOD.
non-exist-ent
Happiness is as cool as this song!
Delhi Delirium
I love the unequivocal sound of burning Crack @ 00:24 ! Love & Rocks lol
Dude Man
Lol