Meaning of "He Tells Himself He's Happy" by Michael Franks

The lyrics of the song "He Tells Himself He's Happy" delve into the psychological aspect of denial and self-deception. Each character in the song seems to be dealing with some form of pain or disappointment, yet they all insist that they are happy. This could be a reflection of how people often feel pressured to maintain a facade of happiness even when they are struggling internally. The repetition of the phrase "He tells himself he's happy, She tells herself she's happy, I tell myself I'm happy" emphasizes the theme of self-deception and the lengths people go to convince themselves that they are content. The song highlights how difficult it can be for individuals to confront their true emotions and instead choose to live in a state of denial.