Only Happy When It Rains

Garbage's 'Only Happy When It Rains' is a song that delves into the complex relationship between sadness and happiness. The lyrics, sung by lead vocalist Shirley Manson, express a preference for the darker, more melancholic aspects of life. The song's chorus, 'I'm only happy when it rains,' serves as a metaphor for finding comfort in what others might consider dreary or depressing. It's a twist on the typical association of rain with sadness, suggesting that the singer finds a paradoxical joy in moments that are typically seen as negative.

The verses of the song further explore this theme, with lines like 'I feel good when things are going wrong' and 'I only listen to the sad, sad songs.' These lyrics suggest a deeper emotional connection to the experience of sadness, almost as if the singer is reveling in the authenticity of these emotions. The repeated request to 'Pour your misery down on me' can be interpreted as a desire to fully immerse oneself in these feelings, to feel them completely without reservation or the need for a facade of happiness.

Culturally, the song, released in the mid-90s by the alternative rock band Garbage, can be seen as a commentary on the era's fascination with angst and the grunge movement. It challenges the notion that happiness is the only desirable emotional state and instead embraces the full spectrum of human emotion, including those that are often shunned or hidden away. The song resonates with listeners who find solace in acknowledging and accepting their darker feelings, rather than suppressing them.