This Happiness

Of Monsters and Men's song "This Happiness" delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of happiness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their emotions, feeling as though they are crawling through mud and rubbing salt in their wounds. This imagery suggests a struggle with past pain and the difficulty of moving forward. The line "Now I'm letting go of letting go" indicates a moment of surrender, where the protagonist stops trying to force themselves to heal and instead allows themselves to feel their emotions fully.

The chorus, with its repeated assertion that "This happiness is hell on earth," captures the paradoxical nature of the protagonist's emotional state. Happiness, which is typically seen as a positive and desirable state, is described here as something torturous and unbearable. This could reflect a deeper sense of disillusionment or a feeling that the happiness they are experiencing is superficial or fleeting. The plea for someone to save them underscores the desperation and confusion they feel, as they navigate the stormy waters of their emotions.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and conflict. The protagonist describes feeling like they live on the Moon, disconnected from the world around them. The imagery of fighting like paper planes and wanting to tumble and collide like a bird in the night suggests a longing for connection and a desire to break free from their emotional constraints. Ultimately, "This Happiness" is a poignant exploration of the darker side of happiness and the emotional turmoil that can accompany it, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the struggle to find true contentment.