Paramore's "Fake Happy" struck a chord with me that I didn't expect. When their album "After Laughter" dropped, my initial reaction mirrored other casual fans: "What's this album about? Only one good song?" If you're not a Paramore enthusiast, that reaction makes sense - it's like how people reacted to Linkin Park's evolution.
But after revisiting their classics "Riot!" and "brand new eyes," I gave their latest album a serious listen. It's enjoyable beyond just being for die-hard fans. Their sound has evolved significantly from their earlier work, with Hayley Williams confirming they've adopted '80s band influences. The music is refreshing! 🤘
The lyrics drew me into the album. "Hard Times" was the first song to win me over. I liked the music, and the lyrics hit home. 😁
Lately, I keep listening to "Fake Happy." I especially like practicing drums to it. The song also describes something I recognize in myself.
In line with millennial phenomena, Hayley seems to understand the "Fake Happy" concept. According to her own admission, "Fake Happy" represents what she's been feeling all along. On stage, professional demands require her to be cheerful and energetic. In reality, she experiences the opposite. 😢
I hate phoniness. It's not fun to be around, it's not fun to do yourself. But then there are these moments in your life where you're professional and you have to have grace with yourself, you have to have grace with other people and work hard, but it's that self-preservation thing.
- Hayley Williams
I frequently practice "Fake Happy" myself. For some reason, showing sadness in front of friends feels difficult. I'm always afraid they'll judge me harshly, and worse, they'll become sad too. I only dare share my sad feelings with a few people - those I consider close. I constantly reassure my friends that I'm "happy" and "enjoying life," even when I'm not.
Everyone has their own battles, and we never know what they're facing unless we try to understand them. I'm convinced that "doing a fake happy" motivates me more, and I hope people out there do the same.
What can we do? We can't blame people who shield themselves with "Fake Happy" - they have their own emotions and reasons. Especially now with social media providing perfect outlets for emotional expression. But humans remain human. At least that's what I believe - we all deserve to be "Happy," even if it's "Fake."
Watch the official music video:
Oh please don't ask me how I've been, I bet everybody here is fake happy too.
I originally published this post in 2018, when I was trying to hide how I felt.
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