Why Pharrell Makes Us So "Happy"

Why Pharrell Makes Us So "Happy"

Originally written for the movie Despicable Me 2, Happy was released 7 months ago and since then, the official video on YouTube has been viewed by 75 million people. The unprecedented 24 hour Happy video has had over 7 million views. Happy is currently number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

So just why has “Happy” become so popular worldwide? Happy means something different for anyone who listens and sings along. It speaks to everyone, regardless of  your age, ethnicity, nationality, language or religion. The message is something everyone can relate to. It is uplifting and inspiring. So simple yet complex because it makes you reflect on whatever struggles you are going through at the time. Happy reminds us that we can get through anything just by being positive.  In the song, Pharrell also refers to people who may try to bring you down with their negativity, asking them to not hold back  but also warns them that strength comes from your own happiness and anyone that tries to bring bad news his way is just wasting their time, “no offense.” Happy is universal and will continue to be popular for generations to come. The song is timeless, which may be part of the inspiration for Pharrell making a video that lasts 24 hours. You can listen to it at any time of the day, for as long as you need.

In an interview with USA Today  Pharrell takes us back to the time when he was writing Happy. His task was to compose a song that would capture the transformation of the character Gru from Despicable Me 2. It took Pharrell nine attempts to finally come up with a song that would actually match the feeling of this character stating in his interview, "How do I make a song about this guy who is so happy, in a relentless mood and can’t be moved away from or distracted from his happiness That’s when I realized that the answer had been hiding in the question." The answer was Happy. 

Pharrell had a major impact on the music industry in 2013. His collaborations with Robin Thicke "Blurred Lines" and "Get Lucky" with Daft Punk, continuously topped the charts. Get Lucky, recently received two awards at the 2014 Grammys:  Record of the year and Best Pop Duo Group Performance.   Pharrell may soon have one more accolade to add to his success. Happy has been nominated for an Academy Award. The Oscars will air on March 2, 2014 and will feature a performance from Pharrell. 

Pharrell has recently announced that his second solo album G I R L will be released on March 3, 2014. The new album which will be released the day after Pharrell receives an Academy Award for Happy (fingers crossed), will feature Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, Alicia Keys, JoJo and Justin Timberlake. 

If you haven’t seen the official Happy video you can check it out here:

For the 24 Hour Video visit  24 Hours of Happy.The first time I visited 24 Hours of Happy, it was around 5:00pm and Steve Carell was on the school bus signing along to Happy. I found this fitting since Steve Carrell voices the character the song was created for in Despicable Me 2. There are many celebrity appearances throughout the 24 hour video: Kelly Osbourne, Magic Johnson, Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Fox and Miranda Crosgrove. What makes watching Happy even more relatable are the regular, every day people in the video that break out into their own unique dance, strut or walk. There is no right or wrong way to be Happy. 

You can download Happy on ITunes and Pharrell's new Album G I R L on March 3, here:

Download Happy

If you'd like to sing or clap along, here are the lyrics:

It might seem crazy what I’m about to say

Sunshine she’s here you can take a break

I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space

With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way

Hook:

Because I’m Happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m Happy

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m Happy

Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Here comes bad news talking this and that

Well give me all you got and don’t hold it back

Well I should probably warm you I’ll be just fine

No offense to you, don’t waste your time

Here’s why

Hook

Bridge:

Bring me down

Can’t nothing bring me down

Your love is too high

Bring me down

Can’t nothing bring me down

I said (let me tell you now)

Bring me down

Can’t nothng bring me down

Your love is too high

Bring me down

Can’t nothing bring me down

I said

Hook

Be "Happy"

© [Wildflower Honey] [2014] [All Rights Reserved]

Throw Back Thursday: Interview with Robin Givens

A Graceful Saturday

By Kristin Parker

Last Saturday in the Hamptons was picture perfect! There was not a cloud in the sky to interrupt your tanning session and the humidity was low enough to truly enjoy being outside. The Hot Air Balloon Festival may have put a damper on traffic but once in the Hamptons it was smooth sailing. 

Robin Givens and her sons.

I arrived at the Lana Santorelli Gallery in Southampton extra early Saturday afternoon in order to prepare for the arrival of Robin Givens.The Golden Pear provided an exceptional platter with different cheese and Carr's Crackers which made me think of my old girl's night in gatherings where we would get a bottle of red wine, curl up on the couch and watch hours of Sex and the City. Lana Santorelli's current exhibition "Evolution", hung from the wall bringing the gallery to life with hundreds of vibrant colors.Barefoot Wines provided bubbly bottles of champagne which sat across from a bowl of fruit filled with blueberries and strawberries. After the cover of Robin's new book "Grace Will Lead Me Home" was displayed outside of the gallery, onlookers starting pouring in, awaiting for the actress' arrival.

The cameras were up and ready for action. Robin Givens walked into the gallery looking radiant. How has this woman not aged over the last 20 years? She wore a sleek black dress and appeared ready for her fans and an interview. I spoke to Robin about her book which explains her family history over the last three generations. Her two sons, Buddy and Billie, watched on as mom went through the celebrity routine of sometimes personal questions and flashing lights. I was thankful no one made any noise during the live interview and was able to keep my nerves in check as I sat across from Robin. Once the cameras stopped rolling, Robin greeted everybody and was down to earth as she talked to everyone as though she had known them for years. People were able to buy books and have them signed by the author who personalized messages for her fans. The event was surprisingly laid back and all who attended had a pleasant time greeting Robin and checking out Lana's work.

Jeanne and Francesca Santorelli, Robin Givens, Kristin Parker, and Lana Santorelli.

After the book signing event, Robin and her family headed over to Madame Tong's for a quiet evening dinner. Jean Luc had invited us to enjoy the beautiful day in the backyard of the restaurant. We arrived rather early for a Saturday afternoon so we were able to choose the best seats in the house. Thanks for coming to the Hamptons Robin, we hope to see you again soon!

Come out to the Hamptons this weekend and enjoy events for everybody. If you love the Hamptons and Hip Hop, this weekend you are in luck! Get ready for the 2nd annual Hamptons Hip Hop Festival happening this Saturday at Turtle Bay in East Quogue. The party will be hosted by DJ Jazzy J with a live performance by Jeru the Damaja. Special guest DJs include: DJ Rob Swift, Marshall Law and DJ Pookie, and Big Bone. Doors open at 10pm. Advance tickets are on sale now.