Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) (feat. MGMT & Ratatat) Lyrics

Lyric discussion by AMDdecker 

Cover art for Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) (feat. MGMT & Ratatat) lyrics by Kid Cudi

Here we go! Keep in mind ratatat and MGMT are involved in this song. This song is addressing something that is going on with my generation specifically in the Midwest. I can relate so much to this lyrics over the past 3 years of my life it’s scary. Its starts with him “feelin lit, feelin right” at, “2 am [on a] summer night” driving drunk but he doesn’t care because he’s getting to experience all the things hes been wanting to and can now that he’s older(I live in Illinois and have made this drive to and from a party to many times). He’s on the pursuit of happiness and thinks partying is the gateway. At first no one could make him think otherwise. As the song progresses he becomes progressively unsure until finally he realizes it’s not the answer. “I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold, hey I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be good” “Imma do just what I want, lookin ahead no turnin back If I fall, if I die, know I lived it to the fullest If I fall, if I die, know I lived and missed some bullets” That’s his reasoning to continue the life style. When he’s talking about, “night terrors” and “5 am cold sweats waking up to the skies” I think he’s referring to drug and alcohol abuse. I think “You don't really care about the trials of tomorrow Rather lay awake in a path full of sorrow” he is being introspective about how he’s living life. Then he takes a step back “Pursuit of happiness, yeah I don’t get it, [but] Ill [still] be good” but is still stuck in the cycle. I feel like I’m at the end of this song over the last 3 years. I said to keep MGMT and RATATAT in mind because if you have ever been to a festival this attitude that happiness can be found this way is a very large issue.

you didn't really talk about mgmt and ratatat. this album seems really mgmt influenced though- beat-wise. lyric wise.

YOUR ALL WRONG. This song is about sleeping paraylsis "Night Terrors". He probaly experiences this sleeping disorder. And I think the only way he doesnt get these "Night Terrors" is if hes stoned/drunk. Hes asking if anyone has ever felt "night terrors"? Check out sleeping paraylsis, shits intense.

REFERENCE: 5 am cold sweats wakin up to the skies.....Some times when you experience "Night terrors" You feel as if your body is afloat. In the skies. Check out sleeping paraylsis, shits intense.

sounds like dope sickness to me.