Every now and then I get a little too close to a kind of truth
that’s not worth thinking about
But you can’t stop the mind from wandering
you’ve gotta slow it down maybe get yourself under control
And it’s hard to stop the pondering
and there have been points when I feel like I’ve been on a roll

But then those curtains get drawn and the chances that you thought you had
they really come to nothing at all

And I have no need for such things but to make you happy
Does it make you happy?
And the busted strings on this guitar
makes me feel like I’m getting nowhere
Could you make me happy?

And if you keep me on your right could I keep you on my left?

And there’s a question on your lips on your finger tips
stabbing in the dark
Like you’re cut, cut, cutting your fringe back
But it’s grown out at such an angle that the shears aren’t sharp
You’ve got to straight, straight, straighten the blades up

And if I could make it easier, I would always try to make it easier

But to be a cautious operator is the way to stop this falling apart

And I have no need for such things but to make you happy
Does it make you happy?
And the busted strings on this guitar
makes me feel like I’m getting nowhere
Could you make me happy?

And I have no need for such things but to make you happy
Make you happy
Does it make you happy?
Does it make you happy?

But if you keep me on your right could I keep you on my left?


Lyrics submitted by breakthesky

Make You Happy Lyrics as written by Joshua Pyke

Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Make You Happy song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Can't believe there are no comments on this song. Heard it for the first time on Triple J this week and it was love at first listen...

    Sounds to me there's a relationship in which he tried really hard to keep the girl happy but despite his efforts it's falling apart.

    Thoughts?

    sarahfayon December 05, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love "And if you keep me on your right, could I keep you on my left?".

    GaHeRiSon January 19, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Amazing song, Josh Pyke is an amazing songwriter.

    Sounds to me like he's reaching out to a girl, possibly trying to attract her, but is getting frustrated due to constantly failing or being knocked back.

    BDRon January 31, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It seems to me that he's singing about a relationship that is comfortable and established, but doubts or what-ifs keep sneaking to the surface of both of their minds.

    He is tempted to wonder if someone else could make him happy, but he cuts off those thoughts and focuses on making her happy instead. After all, she is really the one for him.

    But she also has her suspicions. They have been together so long though, that she can't imagine or see how to change things.

    I think it's a song about trying to be committed in the face of imperfection or even temporary unhappiness. It leaves me with a sense that they'll stick by each other and that the doubts will pass..

    Keep her on your right, Josh!

    anewlifeon February 19, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    its about being content with what you have. Is she happy if he is happy. Is this enough. He ponders his own situation and hers. Is this all there is. better the devil you know and is that enough. in the words of Marlon Brando..."i could of been a contender, i could of been somebody"

    leshimon February 17, 2012   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation

    Very much how I'm feeling in my relationship at the moment.

    I've got a great boyfriend. Everything to me. I just don't love him enough - well obviously not enough anyway as my mind is constantly wandering. Wandering to someone else who I really have feelings for.

    To me this song is about giving up what you've got to try and pursue something with another love, you try to make them happy, show them that you are worth it and you can change their life - but you sometimes get nowhere. You get very close to get a feeling from them that things might be mutual, then you're knocked back down.

    deelowbrowon May 09, 2013   Link

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