HAPPIER!

The song "HAPPIER!" by New West delves into the complex emotions surrounding contentment and the acceptance of one's current state, even if it diverges from societal expectations. The imagery of "a hundred cars with their hazards on" and "four hundred faces dressed in black" suggests a somber scene, possibly a funeral or a moment of collective mourning. This setting introduces the theme of mortality and the contemplation of life choices, as the narrator ponders whether they would choose to live again if given the chance.

The repeated assertion "I'm happier this way" serves as a powerful declaration of self-acceptance. The narrator seems to find peace in their current state, despite external pressures or judgments. The metaphor of swimming in a "bottomless pool" and choosing to stay submerged rather than surfacing to "be a fool" highlights a preference for introspection and solitude over conforming to societal norms. This choice reflects a deeper understanding that the "air these days ain't that much better," suggesting that the external world may not offer the fulfillment or happiness that the narrator finds within themselves.

The song challenges listeners to consider what true happiness means and whether it is defined by external validation or personal contentment. The rhetorical question "But what's it to you?" underscores the idea that one's happiness is a personal journey, not subject to the opinions of others. New West's introspective lyrics invite reflection on the nature of happiness and the courage it takes to embrace one's authentic self, even when it defies conventional expectations.