There's a lot of things I could have done
Little tokens of my love
That I was always saving up to spend
It's the thought that counts, I guess
Even ones that don't make sense
Even when it's easy to forget

To much time for the self-employed
I heard you scream in your mother's voice
So afraid you'd become her in the end
You want a life that you cannot live
But that is what keeps you competitive
Throw another shower for a friend

Tell me where it is
Because I'm looking for their happiness
C'mon, tell me where it is
For the sake now of the argument
C'mon, tell me where it is
Because I'm looking for their happiness
C'mon, tell me where it is
Because I'm looking

Not yet a mother but a good complex
You like the boys when they're scared of sex
What a shame that they grow up to be men
Well, maybe father does know best
And that's the reason why he left
All your pride to the last ditch you defend

It took a while to accept our fate
And all the chance it eliminates
Once we did there was nothing to pretend
Always say there's a time and place
So maybe ours will consolidate
If they do I will greet you as a friend

You can show me where it is
Because I'm looking for your happiness
C'mon, show me where it is
Now you found it all by accident
C'mon, show me where it is
Because I'm looking for your happiness
C'mon, tell me where it is
Because I'm looking



Lyrics submitted by offoff

Track duration: 03:12


Happy Accident song meanings
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13 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I think it's about our Great Mother, and her daughter here on Earth...

    Does anyone else make that connection?
    Flag jayandsilenton November 14, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Obviously about a girl with daddy issues, someone like myself :/ A "Happy Accident."
    Flag Aquarius121on September 23, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Except that the line about 'I heard you scream in your mother's voice' is NOT about wanting to be her mother, it's about NOT wanting to be like her- 'So afraid you'd become her in the end'. The fact that she's 'screaming in (her) mother's voice' is saying that she's already becoming her mother.
    Flag timeiswhaton September 24, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:ChemicalZen has it the closest of anybody here, but it's just worded a little awkwardly. It's a song about somebody who's placed value on material possessions, and Conor is imploring them to show him their happiness, because he doesn't see it.
    Flag timeiswhaton September 24, 2010   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:"There's a lot of things I could have done
    Little tokens of my love
    That I was always saving up to spend
    It's the thought that counts, I guess
    Even ones that don't make sense
    Even when it's easy to forget"

    The narrator is saying that there were many gestures he could have made to show his love for this person. Little, simple material things that cost money but really lack true value in an intimate, deep sense. Gifts like these, one's bought with money rather than love, are odd and easily forgotten to the storyteller. He does not understand why so much importance is placed on them.

    "To much time for the self-employed
    I heard you scream in your mother's voice
    So afraid you'd become her in the end
    You want a life that you cannot live
    But that is what keeps you competitive
    Throw another shower for a friend"

    The storyteller feels that people with too much time on their hands end up not knowing what they are actually doing with their lives. In this vein, they end up searching for meaning in material possessions. They throw showers (baby or bridal) for friends, and exchange the material possessions discussed in the first verse. They dream of becoming like their mother's, with a big house and yard, striving to keep up with the jones's (keeping competitive).

    "Tell me where it is
    Because I'm looking for their happiness
    C'mon, tell me where it is
    For the sake now of the argument
    C'mon, tell me where it is
    Because I'm looking for their happiness
    C'mon, tell me where it is
    Because I'm looking"

    The storyteller is now asking to see the happiness of these people whom the person he is addressing has referenced. The storyteller is calling him/her out in a way. He is saying ok, I see your friends with all the gifts they collected at their baby and bridal showers, now show me how those objects are providing them happiness. Show me how they are so happy with their things.
    Flag ChemicalZenon August 12, 2010   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:lilmeenie - i think your interpretation makes a lot of sense - don't second guess yourself !

    "It's the thought that counts, I guess
    Even ones that don't make sense"

    it could well be about a person who thinks they want a child but perhaps is too young.

    "I heard you scream in your mother's voice
    So afraid you'd become her in the end"

    this further supports your interpretation. Personally i think you are right.
    Lots of love ! Xx
    Flag thewatercarrieron April 07, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:i love this, ive missed conor.
    Flag zombiesareradon March 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:okay forget what i posted earlier i listened to it some more and idk just i love this song
    Flag lilmeenieon March 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:conor's voice sounds excellent in this.

    "you want a life that you cannot live, but that's what keeps you competitive"
    love it.
    Flag AllChokedUpon March 12, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song is exactly what i needed right now. thank you, conor. i've missed bright eyes.
    Flag rupptizzleon March 12, 2010   Link

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