Meaning of "Glad To Be Unhappy" by Frank Sinatra

The lyrics of "Glad To Be Unhappy" convey a conflicted emotional state of the speaker. At first, the song chastises the listener to take a humorous perspective on their romantic failures, as if mocking the idea that love is wonderful and ideal. The speaker then reflects on their own experience of heartbreak, admitting that they have lost their joy and are caught in a mental and emotional turmoil. The line "Fools rush in" suggests that the speaker acknowledges their own foolishness and vulnerability in pursuing love. Despite their unhappiness, the speaker claims to be glad about it, almost reveling in their own misery. This paradoxical sentiment stems from the belief that unrequited love, though painful, holds a certain allure, as it intensifies one's emotions and serves as a reminder of their devotion to the person they adore. The final lines evoke a sense of abandonment and loneliness, comparing the speaker's state to that of a stray baby lamb with no parental care. The song ultimately explores the complex relationship between love, happiness, and sadness, suggesting that sometimes it is better to embrace unhappiness rather than settle for an unfulfilling romance.