In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Maybe it's been years since I genuinely smiled
And maybe it's been years since I wanted to be a part of anything
And lately I've been good
You know, I've actually been great
Man, I even laughed a little today
Oh, it's so strange
It's so strange
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
I thought it was my right to be as sorry as I wanted to be
I wasted all my teenage years being a misery factory
But something had to give
I had to finally see the light
I think at 23 it's time to practice what I preach
And what I preach is...
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
All my wasted hope
I let go when I should've held tighter
And now when the sun is out
I let it burn
Not afraid to feel it shine on me
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
My life is finally levelling out so
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
My life is finally levelling out so
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
And maybe it's been years since I wanted to be a part of anything
And lately I've been good
You know, I've actually been great
Man, I even laughed a little today
Oh, it's so strange
It's so strange
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
I thought it was my right to be as sorry as I wanted to be
I wasted all my teenage years being a misery factory
But something had to give
I had to finally see the light
I think at 23 it's time to practice what I preach
And what I preach is...
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
All my wasted hope
I let go when I should've held tighter
And now when the sun is out
I let it burn
Not afraid to feel it shine on me
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
My life is finally levelling out so
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
because I'm happy now
Tell me it's okay to be happy now
My life is finally levelling out so
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Tell me it's okay
Tell me it's okay-ay
Lyrics submitted by Paul123456
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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I feel like this song is about regretting being bitter in the past. The writer is reflecting on recent years, where she has rather been negative, making life harder for herself and others.
"Maybe it's been years since I genuinely smiled And maybe it's been years since I wanted to be a part of anything
And lately I've been good You know, I've actually been great Man, I even laughed a little today
Oh, it's so strange It's so strange"
It almost feels strange for her now to genuinely smile or laugh.
"Tell me it's okay to be happy now because I'm happy now"
The artist is unsure of her being happy with life and what it's like. She asks for other people's opinion if it is ok for her now to be happy and just set her feelings free, as she used to restrict that.
"I thought it was my right to be as sorry as I wanted to be I wasted all my teenage years being a misery factory"
Again, I think this is about regretting being so dismissive in early years, her teenager times, because the writer felt like it was appropriate to act like that, hiding away any feelings. She wishs she could change the past, as she writes that she has "wasted her time" being so unapproachable.
"But something had to give I had to finally see the light I think at 23 it's time to practice what I preach And what I preach is..."
The artist wants to change her life, make it more positive, as to "see light", implying happiness, in her life. Also, after 23 years of preaching everyone to be happy and just being themselves, the writer realizes that she can't preach those words when she's not living her life like that herself.
"All my wasted hope I let go when I should've held tighter And now when the sun is out I let it burn Not afraid to feel it shine on me"
The artist knows now, that it is alright to be happy and just set your feelings free and live like you want to, instead of putting a face on and hiding your real feelings. She now lets the sun "burn", describing at how bright the light is that is now shining on her life, and that she's not afraid of showing herself anymore.