The lead vocals are sung by Gene Ween, who also is credited with keyboards and guitar on the track. Dean Ween plays guitar and bass. The drums are played by Josh Freese. An early demo version of "Happy Colored Marbles" was released semi-officially on The Caesar Demos.
"Happy Colored Marbles" debuted live early in the 2003 Quebec tour, and has been a common live Ween song ever since. A 7/22/2003 sound-studio recording from a live Internet stream is heard on the album All Request Live. In addition, Gene Ween has played "Happy Colored Marbles" numerous times at solo shows, including solo acoustic and with his band Freeman.
Happy Colored Marbles
Ween Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got some ideas on the way it should be
But most of 'em just carrying on
Happy colored marbles that are rolling in my head
I put 'em back in the jacket of the one I love
Carry that velvet sack full of pretty colored marbles
And I'll ask you for 'em back, when I'm ready and done
Most people are not ok, and they're slackin' cause the job ain't done
Fillin' up on the poison nut
And getting down till the dawn
Happy colored marbles that are rolling in my head
I put 'em back in the jacket of the one I love
Carry that velvet sack full of pretty colored marbles
And I'll ask you for 'em back, when I'm ready and done
The lyrics to Ween's song "Happy Colored Marbles" are somewhat enigmatic, leaving much room for interpretation. The opening verse suggests a general sense of malaise among people, with most not being okay and simply carrying on with their lives. The second verse adds to this idea, describing how people cope with their unhappiness by slacking off or numbing themselves with drugs. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase "happy colored marbles," seems to evoke a vision of childhood innocence or simplicity, a time when life was more straightforward and less burdened by the stresses and responsibilities of adulthood. The marbles in question could be seen as a symbol of this lost innocence or as a reminder of happier times.
Overall, the lyrics of "Happy Colored Marbles" seem to be grappling with the idea of happiness and how it can be difficult to attain in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The marbles may represent a desire to hold onto or recapture some sense of joy in the face of this difficulty, or they may be a reminder that such joy is ultimately elusive and fleeting.
Line by Line Meaning
Most people are not ok, but they're taking their siestas in the sun
Many people are not doing well, yet they appear to be idly resting in the sun.
Got some ideas on the way it should be
I have thoughts on how things should be done.
But most of 'em just carrying on
However, most people just continue with the status quo.
Happy colored marbles that are rolling in my head
I have vivid and joyful ideas bouncing around in my mind.
I put 'em back in the jacket of the one I love
I store these ideas securely in my heart, where my affections lie.
Carry that velvet sack full of pretty colored marbles
I hold onto a precious collection of these joyful thoughts.
And I'll ask you for 'em back, when I'm ready and done
At a later time, when I am ready, I will retrieve and utilize these ideas.
Most people are not ok, and they're slackin' cause the job ain't done
Many people are struggling and not accomplishing what needs to be done.
Fillin' up on the poison nut
They may be indulging in harmful behaviors or substances.
And getting down till the dawn
They may be partying or engaging in other distractions until sunrise.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AARON FREEMAN, MICHAEL MELCHIONDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind