I first heard this song on a lazy Sunday morning, when I had the radio on while making breakfast. The moment the smooth and melodic tune started playing, I was captivated. As the lyrics unfolded, I found myself smiling and feeling a surge of happiness. The song I’m talking about is “Happiness Is” by Ray Conniff.

The Lyrics

What happiness is
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Different things to different people
That’s what happiness is
To the preacher
It’s a prayer, prayer, prayer
To the Beatles
It’s a “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah”
To the golfer
It’s a hole in one
To the father
It’s a brand new son
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Different things to different people
That’s what happiness is
To the beatnik
It’s his beard, beard, beard
To the monster
Something wierd, wierd, wierd
To a night owl
It’s a good days sleep
To the Yankee’s
It’s a four game sweep
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Different things to different people
That’s what happiness is
On the desert
It’s a drink, drink, drink
To the show girl
It’s a mink, mink, mink
To the banker
Lots and lots of dough
To a racer
It’s a GTO
To a sailor
It’s the sea, sea, sea
To my mother
Why, it’s me, me, me
To the birdies
It’s the sky above
But, to my mind
It’s the one I love
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Different things to different people
That’s what happiness is
Happiness is!

Ray Conniff’s “Happiness Is” carries an important message about the diverse nature of happiness itself. The lyrics highlight that happiness means different things to different people. From a preacher finding happiness in prayers to the Beatles creating joy through their music, happiness encompasses a wide range of experiences and emotions.

The song continues to explore various scenarios, illustrating how happiness can be derived from different sources. Whether it’s a golfer achieving a hole in one or a father cherishing the birth of a child, “Happiness Is” reminds us that joy is not one-dimensional. It varies from person to person, reflecting individual preferences and life circumstances.

The lyrics take us on a whimsical journey, mentioning beatniks with their distinctive beards and monsters evoking something bizarre and out of the ordinary. From night owls relishing a good night’s sleep to Yankees celebrating a four-game sweep, the song encapsulates the idea that happiness knows no boundaries.

In the subsequent verses, we encounter the desert where a refreshing drink brings contentment, showgirls draped in luxurious minks, bankers reveling in their wealth, and racers savoring their high-performance GTO cars. From sailors and their deep connection with the vast sea to the universal joy a mother finds in her child, the song covers a wide spectrum of experiences and emotions associated with happiness.

The concluding lines of the song refer to the sky, the birdies, and even oneself as sources of happiness. However, the ultimate happiness, according to the song, lies in the one you love. It beautifully captures the notion that love forms the foundation of true happiness, overshadowing all other external factors.

About the Song and Album

“Happiness Is” was released as part of Ray Conniff’s album titled “The Essential Ray Conniff” in 2004. The album showcases Conniff’s talent for delivering heartfelt and melodious tunes, making it a must-listen for fans of pop and easy listening genres.

Written by Paul Evans and Paul Parnes, “Happiness Is” resonates with listeners through its relatable lyrics and upbeat melody. The song stands as a testament to the power of music to uplift spirits and remind us of the diverse meanings of happiness.

So, the next time you find yourself searching for happiness, remember that it can be found in the simplest of things or even in the arms of someone you love. As Ray Conniff’s “Happiness Is” reminds us, happiness is truly what we make of it.

Credits

Written By Paul Evans & Paul Parnes

Tags

Pop, Easy Listening