Lyric discussion by alovelyfadeout 

Cover art for Happiness lyrics by Built to Spill

I agree with you, awsugarcomeon, this song is about not trying to force things (happiness) because you can't. ultimately, you can't control happiness. I think it's hopeful and relaxing in a way, at least to me. Also, the lyrics posted here are wrong, I believe they should be:

haven't had a half a hand in half of what i am haven't heard of half the things that happened in the past haven't given half the time to half the people and half the things i've planned you don't have to be so cruel cause all i do is a little less than what i can

happiness will only happen when it can happiness will only happen when it can

haven't had the half of mind to stay and start to take a stand haven't held on half as long as i had hoped as i had hoped and planned haven't heard of half the shit they said, I haven't had half a chance you dont have to be so cruel cause all i do is a little less than what i can

happiness will only happen when it can happiness will only happen when it can happiness will only happen when it can happiness will only happen when it can