“Fake Happy” is a song by American rock band Paramore, released on May 12, 2017. The song was included in their fifth studio album, “After Laughter”. The track features a catchy melody, with lead singer Hayley Williams delivering the lyrics in a way that is both introspective and relatable.
The song explores the idea of putting on a façade of happiness when, in reality, one is struggling internally. It touches on the notion that we often feel like we have to present a certain image to the world, even if it’s not an accurate reflection of how we truly feel.
Fake Happy Lyrics
[Intro]
I love makin’ you believe what you get is what you see
But I’m so fake happy, I feel so fake happy
And I bet everybody here is just as insincere
We’re all so fake happy and I know fake happy
[Verse 1]
See, I been doin’ a good job of makin’ ’em think
I’m quite alright, better hope I don’t blink
You see, it’s easy when I’m stompin’ on a beat
But no one sees me when I crawl back underneath
[Pre-Chorus]
Hey, if I smile with my teeth
I bet you believe me
If I smile with my teeth
I think I believe me
[Chorus]
Oh, please, don’t ask me how I’ve been
Don’t make me play pretend, oh, no
Oh, what’s the use?
Oh, please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too
[Verse 2]
And if I go out tonight, dress up my fears
You think I look alright with these mascara tears?
See, I’m gonna draw my lipstick wider than my mouth
And if the lights are low, they’ll never see me frown
[Pre-Chorus]
Hey, if I smile with my teeth
I bet you believe me
If I smile with my teeth
I think I believe me
[Chorus]
Oh, please, don’t ask me how I’ve been
Don’t make me play pretend, oh, no
Oh, oh, what’s the use?
Oh, please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too
[Bridge]
I know I said that I was doin’ good
And that I’m happy now (Ooh)
I shoulda known when things were goin’ good
That’s when I’d get knocked down
Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
[Chorus]
Oh, please, just don’t ask me how I’ve been
Don’t make me play pretend, oh, no (Oh, no)
Oh, what’s the use?
Oh, please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too
[Post-Chorus]
(Oh, please) Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
(Oh, please) Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
Oh, please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too
Ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba, ba-da-ba-da-ba-ba
[Outro]
Carlos
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the meaning of the lyrics and explore the themes of the song in greater detail.
Verse 1
The first verse of “Fake Happy” sets the stage for the rest of the song. Williams sings, “See, I been doin’ a good job of makin’ ’em think I’m quite alright, better hope I don’t blink.” She’s essentially saying that she’s been pretending to be happy and that she’s doing a good job of fooling those around her. The line “better hope I don’t blink” implies that if she were to let her guard down for even a moment, people might see through her façade.
The next line, “You see, it’s easy when I’m stompin’ on a beat,” refers to the fact that when Williams is performing onstage with her band, it’s easy to put on a show and act happy. However, when the music stops and she’s alone, that’s when she struggles.
The last line of the verse, “But no one sees me when I crawl back underneath,” is particularly poignant. It suggests that Williams is dealing with something deeply personal and that she feels like she’s all alone in dealing with it.
Pre-Chorus
The pre-chorus of “Fake Happy” features the lines, “Hey, if I smile with my teeth, I bet you believe me. If I smile with my teeth, I think I believe me.” These lines highlight the fact that Williams has become so accustomed to putting on a happy face that she’s almost convinced herself that she’s truly happy. It’s a coping mechanism that allows her to get through the day and interact with others.
Chorus
The chorus of “Fake Happy” is where the song’s title comes from. Williams sings, “Oh, please, don’t ask me how I’ve been. Don’t make me play pretend, oh, no. Oh, what’s the use? Oh, please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too.”
These lyrics convey a sense of frustration and sadness. Williams is asking not to be forced to pretend to be happy and is questioning the point of even trying to put on a façade. She then suggests that everyone around her is likely feeling the same way, which is a sobering thought.
Verse 2
The second verse of “Fake Happy” focuses on the idea of using makeup and clothing to cover up inner pain. Williams sings, “And if I go out tonight, dress up my fears. You think I look alright with these mascara tears?” This line suggests that Williams is trying to put on a brave face and look her best, even though she’s struggling.
She then goes on to sing, “See, I’m gonna draw my lipstick wider than my mouth. And if the lights are low, they’ll never see me frown.” These lines indicate that Williams is using makeup as a way to hide her emotions. By drawing her lipstick wider than her mouth, she’s trying to create the illusion of a smile. And in low lighting, she knows that people won’t be able to see her frown.
