Two Kinds of Happiness by The Strokes Lyrics Meaning – Exploring the Depths of Human Emotion and Desire
Lyrics
What you take and then what you bring
One is pleasure, one discipline
One devotion, one’s just the ring
Desire and reward
Long term and short term joy
Don’t waste your heart
Don’t waste your heart
One has nothing to do with the other
And the world is all cousins not brothers
Hard to take you off of my love
One’s an instant, one takes some will
One gives life, and one makes you kill
One’s the means and one’s for the end
Desire and reward
Long term and short term joy
Don’t waste your heart
Don’t waste your heart
One has nothing to do with the other
And the world is all cousins not brothers
Don’t you give in
You’re beginning
Love and fulfillment, pleasure and pain, The Strokes lay out a tapestry of emotion in ‘Two Kinds of Happiness.’ This track from their fourth studio album ‘Angles’ delves into the complexity of what it means to be truly happy. It’s an intricate exploration of the dual nature of happiness, where Julian Casablancas and his band navigate the listener through the muddied waters of human desire.
But what lies beneath the surficial interpretation of these lyrics? ‘Two Kinds of Happiness’ is not just a song; it’s a philosophical inquiry set to the band’s characteristic rhythmic rock. The lyrics are a direct conversation with the soul, questioning the concepts of instant gratification versus the tireless pursuit of something deeper.
The Dichotomy of Pleasure and Discipline
At first glance, ‘Two Kinds of Happiness’ lays out an obvious separation of joy into pleasure and discipline. Pleasure, the song suggests, is the immediate enjoyment, the short-term happiness we often seek to suppress the aches of existence. Discipline, on the other hand, is the foundation of long-term satisfaction, the happiness that comes from perseverance and dedicated pursuit.
This dichotomy The Strokes present is a timeless struggle, one that resonates deeply in a society where instant gratification is the norm. The song urges a self-reflection, to question whether we are chasing fleeting moments of pleasure at the expense of more sustainable, disciplined forms of contentment.
Happiness Deconstructed: ‘Desire and Reward’
‘Desire and reward, long term and short term joy,’ The Strokes juxtapose the innate human inclination towards desire with the rewards that follow. But they also warn against the oversimplification of happiness. They indicate that there is no linear path from desire to reward, insinuating that perhaps, it’s desire itself that can be rewarding.
The phrase ‘long term and short term joy’ captures the essence of our struggles with the concept of happiness. It is a battle within the self to identify which joy is worth pursuing and whether or not the consequences of our desires align with our deeper search for meaning.
The Heart’s Wasteland – Avoiding Emotional Debris
The repeated plea, ‘Don’t waste your heart,’ serves as a caution against misplacing emotional investment. In the quest for happiness, The Strokes illuminate the potential pitfalls of pouring one’s heart into temporary pleasures or fruitless endeavors.
This is not simply about guarding oneself from pain, but more so a call to be mindful of where one’s emotional energy is expended. It’s a reminder that not all pursuits are worthy of the heart’s capacity, and discernment is key in finding the right kind of happiness.
Unveiling the Hidden Meaning: Cousins, Not Brothers
Among the song’s most intriguing lines is the claim, ‘And the world is all cousins not brothers.’ This enigmatic message implies a sense of separation in similarity. Much like cousins may share a family tree but lead distinct lives, the two kinds of happiness The Strokes describe share an etymological root but diverge in essence.
The statement is also a commentary on the relational dynamics of society. It might suggest that the connections between people – or in this case, between different kinds of happiness – are not as straightforward or as close-knit as one might think, and that there is a broader spectrum of interrelations and individual paths to joy.
The Memorable Chorus: Don’t You Give In
The song often returns to the resolve, ‘Don’t you give in,’ reinforcing the theme of discipline. It’s a chant-like motto for the listeners, imploring them to strive against the easier, more immediate pull of temptation.
Through this mantra, The Strokes not only lend strength to those holding onto their long-term dreams but also espouse the virtue of resilience. In drifting back to this line, amid the poetic musings on happiness, the song transforms into an anthem for the steadfast.
