Meaning of "Merry Happy" by Kate Nash

The lyrics of "Merry Happy" convey a story of a failed romantic relationship where the singer's partner didn't want to stick around. The verse suggests that the partner was initially interested in the singer's physical appearance, as evidenced by the line "Don't tell me that you didn't try to check out my bum." The singer also mentions receiving pearls from the partner, which she thought were ugly. This highlights the disconnect between the partner's actions and true feelings. The chorus emphasizes that despite the partner's departure, the singer is able to find joy and fulfillment on her own. Dancing at discos and eating cheese on toast symbolize simple pleasures that bring the singer happiness. The repeated phrase "I can be alone, I can watch a sunset on my own" reinforces the singer's independence and ability to find beauty in solitude. The verse about sitting in restaurants and thinking they were grown up suggests that the relationship was based on a false notion of maturity. However, the singer recognizes that the experience has taught her valuable lessons, as seen in the line "But I won't regret 'cause you can grow flowers from where dirt used to be." Overall, the lyrics of "Merry Happy" celebrate the singer's resilience, self-discovery, and ability to find happiness even in the absence of a partner.