Happy

Mitski's song "Happy" delves into the fleeting nature of happiness and the aftermath of its departure. The lyrics personify happiness as a visitor who comes and goes unpredictably, leaving a trail of emptiness and longing in its wake. The opening lines set a scene where 'Happy' arrives, bringing cookies and comfort, suggesting a moment of joy and contentment. However, this happiness is transient, and the protagonist is willing to do anything to keep it, hinting at the desperation often felt when trying to hold onto joyful moments.

The song's chorus reflects on the departure of happiness, using the metaphor of a train to signify its inevitable leaving. The request for happiness to take the protagonist's heart when it leaves underscores the depth of their emotional investment and the sense of purposelessness they feel without it. The train's rumble serves as a poignant reminder of what was once present but is now gone. The second verse reveals the aftermath of happiness's visit: the mess left behind, both literally and metaphorically, and the protagonist's resignation to cleaning up, which can be interpreted as an attempt to regain control or normalcy after an emotional upheaval.

Mitski's portrayal of happiness as something that can be felt deeply but not held onto speaks to the universal human experience. The song's melancholic tone and the imagery of the moon in the final verse suggest a longing for a connection that is out of reach, further emphasizing the theme of the elusive nature of joy and the pain of its absence.