The Fray - Happiness

The song 'Happiness' by The Fray, featured in the TV series Pretty Little Liars, delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of happiness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of happiness as something elusive and transient, almost like a fleeting visitor that one cannot hold onto. The opening lines suggest that happiness is always just out of reach, either speeding past or gently knocking, waiting to be let in. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the various forms and feelings that happiness can take.

The song juxtaposes happiness with sorrow, suggesting that the two emotions are closely intertwined. The line 'Happiness feels a lot like sorrow' implies that the pursuit of happiness often comes with its own set of challenges and disappointments. The lyrics also touch on the idea that happiness is not something that can be forced or controlled; it comes and goes as it pleases. This is further emphasized by the metaphor of happiness as a 'firecracker sitting on my headboard,' which suggests that while happiness can be exhilarating, it can also be dangerous and unpredictable.

The song concludes with a piece of wisdom, likening happiness to an old man's advice: 'Look for it, but you'll never find it all. But let it go, live your life and leave it, then one day, wake up and she'll be home.' This suggests that true happiness comes not from actively seeking it, but from living life fully and letting happiness find its way to you. The recurring theme of home in the final lines adds a layer of comfort and belonging, implying that happiness is ultimately about finding peace within oneself and one's surroundings.