FAWM: "Happy?"

Happy?

2025 by @johnnycashpoint · @vonnieknows

Liner Notes

#lo-fi #comedy #pop #hot_kazoo_action #collaboration #fuc

A short break from 'Signs of Life 2' as I do a 'catch up on collaborations' Saturday instead! So @vonnieknows suggested an intriguing collab on the boards (https://write.fawm.org/forums/3065?highlight=kids) and, after initial talks, gave me some chords and a theme to write about - "Happy". I transposed the chords to my 'key' then happily went and wrote this song with 'Adult themes for kids' in mind, then happily sent over a demo before realising to my horror, upon reading some of her posted lyrics, I had completely misunderstood the brief.

Fortunately Vonnie liked the demo i sent over, as did I, mainly for the hot kazoo action in it, and most importantly it passed her 'Toddler Test'! So here it is, with a re-recorded vocal trying to take her adjusted phrasing into account,; sadly my voice just wouldn't let wouldn't let me! Anyway we've pencilled in me singing one of her lyrics, so hopefully not the last we will hear of this particular collab!

Lyrics

Are you happy or are you sad Is there a difference to be had, for This old world that we have made Just wants us to make the grade

Do you like cool dinosaurs? Well, news, they don't exist no more You'll never see those wondrous beasts
Means you won't be food to eat

Happy is as happy does But is happy ever enough to Get you through the working day Should we perma-strike and play now?

Did you want to be an astronaut When you grew up? You've been taught to Spend your life earthbound, it's cruel Monday mornings, get up for school

SOLO

Am I happy in my job? Why do you ask? Well, that's a lot. I get up almost every day, I'm President of the USA.

Comments

@ambroise 2025

The wildest joke is on the last line ! In cauda venenum. Lovely uke, kazoo ad bass combo ! Not surprising that it passed the toddler test !

@wynia 2025

Loved the exuberant kazoo! And the “wa wah” solo!

@nancycunning 2025

I especially like the kazoos and the Charlie Brown grown up voices...My daughter is that age where all grown ups can think to ask is "Where are you going to college?" This feels like a good response to well-meaning grown-up questions.

@gordon 2025

Love this, you just can't beat some good kazoo action. Nice ending lyrically too.

@liamlieblein 2025

This got me happy alright! Got me smiling and giggling as I'm typing this! That kazoo is priceless, as is that vocalizing solo, sounds like Daffy duck lmao. The lyrics really are an awesome blend of adult themes and childlike whimsy, and the vocal delivery fits it perfectly. The simple guitar chords work as a perfect backing as well, gives storytime vibes. Well done, both of you!

@fuzzy 2025

Awesome beginning. Love the kazoo. Those lyrics are weird, but in the best way possible. The solo is making me smile like a fool.

@vonnieknows 2025

@johnnycashpoint I literally love this one more then you can ever know <3 Honestly the kids both thinks it's great. I'm gona play it on my radio show next week if you let me ;)