Happiness

This song has made me cry too many times. I have always interpreted it quite literaly as about being sad/depressed.
The contrast between the title and the sentiment of the music and lyrics to me sums up the horrid grown up thing of feeling sad and crap but getting on with life like a normal happy person.

I think he's saying that he's not an overly happy person, whereas the person it's aimed at is just one of those rose tinted glasses type that either don't see or ignore the world.

" Nevermind the songs they hum Don't want to sing along " Happy songs that there's nothing to relate to.

"There's nothin' that I said that'll bring you happiness" Is as Raffishtenant2 stated - his songs aren't going to solve your problem.

"Nevermind the words that came Out of my mouth when all that I could feel was pain" People say nasty things when hurt, especially in arguments when you say things you don't really mean.

" The difference in the two of us Comes down to the way You rise over things I just put down " This is how the other person just ignores things, that he can't.

"Nevermind the curse I wore Proud like a badge Till it just don't shine no more" How certain people will wear the bad things like a badge and break things. See Tool "The Grudge" for similar meaning on this bit.

While Grant-Lee Phillips's writing certainly leaves plenty of room for individual interpretation, he's also direct enough that lines such as:

"Nevermind the words that came Out of my mouth when all that I could feel was pain The difference in the two of us Comes down to the way You rise over things I just put down"

In the context of the rest of the song seem to indicate he might have either lost or thought he was losing a friendship or relationship due to suffering an episode of depression (most likely a friendship as he is still married to the same woman.)

See his comments on his latest album and lyrics: https://sinceileftyoublog.tumblr.com/post/686586294881697792/grant-lee-phillips-interview-a-great-deal-of

Don't know what this is about, but it's my favourite grant lee song. The contrast between the title and the mood of the music is great.

Songs can't solve our problems, is how I interpret this one. Songwriters like Grant-Lee Phillips can bring us joy and solace, but sooner or later, we must leave the nest. Which isn't to say we can't give credit to our inspirations when we get there, if we get there.

He sounds much more apologetic than he should ever need to be, having written even a few songs as good as this one.

For me this song is really really beautiful. The first time when i listened this i didn't understand the lyrics, as in i was't paying attention at what he was saying at all, but the atmosphere! it is unbelievble. the single words that i could hear clearly was 'hapiness hapiness', and it was like.. omg. so beautiful! and my feeling was that this is not a happy song, it's a song more about a wish of hapiness. and this was before reading the lyrics.

all you said before makes sens, so i will let it that way :)

this is a really touching song, from the first time you listen it.

I don't think it should be taken literally. It's just a song. I heard Grant Lee Phillips it's one of those sad songs that makes him feel good after he plays it.

Catharsis.

The tone on this song is unbelievable. Grant Lee Philips can coax tone outta an acoustic like few can.

And the lyrics..whether literal or not; brilliant.