Happier – Marshmello ft. Bastille

“Happier,” a collaboration between electronic music producer Marshmello and British rock band Bastille, is a poignant and uplifting anthem that has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Released on March 16, 2018, the track quickly became a global hit, blending Marshmello’s signature electronic sound with Bastille’s emotive vocals. The song’s engaging melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite for listeners seeking both joy and solace. This article delves into the song’s composition, lyrical themes, and cultural impact, shedding light on why “Happier” continues to be celebrated as a beacon of positivity.

Musical Composition and Production

“Happier” features a seamless blend of electronic and pop elements, reflecting Marshmello’s signature style while incorporating Bastille’s distinctive rock influences. The track opens with a bright, piano-driven melody that sets an uplifting tone. This melody is accompanied by a steady, rhythmic beat that propels the song forward, creating a sense of momentum and energy.

The production of the song is characterized by its clean and polished sound. Marshmello’s use of synths and electronic beats provides a modern, vibrant backdrop for Bastille’s vocals. The song’s arrangement includes dynamic shifts between verses and chorus, enhancing its emotional impact. The chorus, in particular, is characterized by its catchy melody and anthemic quality, inviting listeners to sing along and engage with the music.

Bastille’s lead vocalist, Dan Smith, delivers a heartfelt and evocative performance that complements the song’s upbeat production. His emotive voice conveys the song’s themes of resilience and positivity, creating a powerful contrast with the upbeat instrumental arrangement. The song’s production is marked by its balance between electronic and acoustic elements, resulting in a rich and engaging sound that appeals to a broad audience.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of “Happier” explore themes of selflessness, emotional resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. The song’s narrative revolves around the idea of letting go of a relationship or situation that may be causing unhappiness, with the intention of ultimately achieving greater happiness. The chorus, which repeats the line “I want you to be happier,” encapsulates the song’s central message of prioritizing the well-being of others, even if it means making personal sacrifices.

The verses of the song delve into the emotional journey of letting go and the challenges associated with moving on. The lyrics express a sense of longing and reflection, with lines that capture the complexity of emotions involved in such a process. Despite the emotional weight of the subject matter, the song maintains an uplifting and hopeful tone, encouraging listeners to embrace change and seek out positive experiences.

The song’s lyrics are complemented by its vibrant and energetic production, creating a contrast between the reflective nature of the lyrics and the upbeat, celebratory feel of the music. This juxtaposition enhances the song’s impact, making it both emotionally resonant and musically uplifting.

Music Video and Visual Representation

The official music video for “Happier,” directed by Emile Sornin, visually represents the song’s themes of emotional resilience and positivity. The video tells the story of a young girl and her loyal dog, highlighting their journey as they face challenges and find joy in their lives.

The narrative begins with the girl and her dog living a contented but somewhat mundane life. As the video progresses, the dog becomes increasingly aware of the girl’s unhappiness and sets out on a journey to bring her joy. The dog’s adventures lead to a series of heartwarming and visually stunning scenes, culminating in a moment of emotional resolution and happiness.

The video is characterized by its vibrant colors, dynamic camera work, and engaging storytelling. The visual representation of the song’s themes enhances the overall impact of the track, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant experience for viewers. The use of expressive imagery and cinematic techniques adds depth to the narrative, making the video a memorable accompaniment to the song.

Impact and Reception

“Happier” has been met with widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. The song’s blend of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and uplifting production has contributed to its success and popularity. The track has achieved significant commercial success, topping charts around the world and earning widespread recognition.

The song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success, with its positive message and engaging music video resonating with audiences on a personal level. “Happier” has become a popular choice for playlists and social media content, reflecting its broad appeal and enduring relevance. The track’s success is a testament to Marshmello and Bastille’s ability to create a compelling and emotionally impactful piece of music.

The song’s influence is also reflected in its presence in popular media and its impact on subsequent releases by both Marshmello and Bastille. The track’s combination of electronic and pop elements has set a standard for contemporary music, inspiring other artists to explore similar themes and styles.

Legacy and Influence

“Happier” continues to be celebrated for its ability to blend uplifting melodies with emotionally resonant lyrics. The song’s success has solidified Marshmello’s reputation as a leading producer in the electronic music scene and has contributed to Bastille’s continued prominence as a rock band with a distinctive sound.

The track’s legacy lies in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level while providing a sense of joy and optimism. The song’s influence is reflected in its impact on popular music and its continued relevance in contemporary culture. “Happier” has become a beloved hit that continues to resonate with audiences and inspire positive change.

Conclusion

Marshmello’s collaboration with Bastille on “Happier” is a standout track that showcases the power of music to uplift and inspire. With its catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and vibrant production, the song has captivated listeners around the world and earned widespread acclaim. The collaboration between Marshmello and Bastille adds a unique dynamic to the track, resulting in a memorable and impactful piece of music. The song’s success and lasting impact are a testament to the talent and creativity of the artists involved, and it continues to be celebrated as a beacon of positivity and resilience in contemporary music.

Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

When the morning comes
When we see what we’ve become
In the cold light of day we’re a flame in the wind
Not the fire that we begun
Every argument, every word we can’t take back
‘Cause with all that has happened
I think that we both know the way that the story ends

Then only for a minute
I want to change my mind
‘Cause this just don’t feel right to me
I wanna raise your spirits
I want to see you smile
But know that means I’ll have to leave
Know that means I’ll have to leave

Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

When the evening falls
And I’m left there with my thoughts
And the image of you being with someone else
Well, it’s eating me up inside
But we run our course, we pretend that we’re okay
Now if we jump together, at least we can swing
Far away from the wreck we made

Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

So I’ll go, I’ll go
I will go, go, go
So I’ll go, I’ll go
I will go, go, go

Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier
Even though I might not like this
I think that you’ll be happier, I want you to be happier

Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

So I’ll go, I’ll go
I will go, go, go

Bastille Marshmello