Is “If You Wanna Be Happy” Really a Be Happy Song? A Humorous Look Back at Jimmy Soul’s Controversial Hit

In the realm of pop and rock music, certain songs become infamous, not for their musical genius, but for their questionable lyrics and messages. When exploring the music landscape of 1963, one track consistently surfaces as a subject of debate and often, derision: “If You Wanna Be Happy” by Jimmy Soul. This song, despite its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, has garnered a reputation as one of the most disliked songs of its era, primarily due to its controversial advice on relationships.

While many lists of ‘worst songs’ might predictably feature tracks like Nickelback’s “Photograph” or Santana’s “Smooth,” we aim to delve deeper and explore the nuances of songs that spark genuine discussion, even if for the wrong reasons. “If You Wanna Be Happy” initially seemed like a prime candidate for a ‘worst song’ title. However, upon closer examination, and considering its cultural context, it becomes a fascinating case study in how humor and social commentary can backfire spectacularly in music.

If You Wanna Be Happy – Wikipedia

Jimmy Soul and the Anatomy of a One-Hit Wonder

Jimmy Soul, an R&B soul singer true to his moniker, achieved fleeting fame with “If You Wanna Be Happy.” This track, intended as a humorous take on relationships, ironically became his only major hit, peaking at #1 on the charts and #35 on the year-end charts. However, the humor was largely lost on audiences, and the song quickly became notorious for its problematic message.

Musically, “If You Wanna Be Happy” possesses a certain undeniable charm. Its catchiness is evident, and the instrumentation is competently arranged. One could argue that with a more polished production, the song might have been appreciated purely for its musical qualities. However, the tinny and somewhat fuzzy production is ultimately overshadowed by the lyrical content, which is the primary reason for the song’s enduring infamy.

The Chorus That Sparked Outrage (and Laughter)

The central issue with “If You Wanna Be Happy” lies squarely within its oft-repeated chorus:

If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So from my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you

This chorus, delivered with a seemingly lighthearted tone, immediately sets off alarm bells. The suggestion that happiness in marriage is contingent on choosing a partner based on conventional attractiveness, specifically advising against marrying “pretty women,” is jarring and overtly superficial. It promotes a reductive and offensive view of relationships, reducing women to mere categories based on their looks.

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Deeper into the Lyrical Minefield: Verses That Worsen the Message

While one might attempt to interpret the chorus as satirical or tongue-in-cheek, the verses of “If You Wanna Be Happy” dismantle any such charitable interpretations. They double down on the offensive premise, venturing into overtly sexist territory:

A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall
As soon as he married her and then she starts
To do the things that will break his heart
But if you make an ugly woman your wife
A-you’ll be happy for the rest of your life
An ugly woman cooks meals on time
And she’ll always give you peace of mind

These verses amplify the problematic nature of the song. They perpetuate harmful stereotypes about attractive women being inherently detrimental to their husbands, suggesting they are prone to causing “downfall” and heartbreak. Conversely, the song idealizes “ugly women” for their domestic capabilities, reducing their value to cooking and providing “peace of mind.” This reinforces outdated and sexist gender roles, painting a dismal picture of marital dynamics based on superficial judgments.

The notion that all attractive women are inherently problematic and all “ugly women” are inherently ideal wives is not only offensive but also demonstrably false. It ignores the complexities of human relationships, reducing them to simplistic and discriminatory categories. Furthermore, the implication that a woman’s primary role is to cook and provide “peace of mind” is an antiquated and limiting view of women’s roles in society.

“Treat ‘Em Tough”: Doubling Down on the Problematic Persona

Adding insult to injury, Jimmy Soul’s attempt to capitalize on the success of “If You Wanna Be Happy” further cemented his image as a purveyor of questionable relationship advice. His follow-up single, “Treat ‘Em Tough,” released just a year later, mirrored the musical structure and lyrical themes of its predecessor, amplifying the problematic elements.

“Treat ‘Em Tough” offered gems of wisdom such as:

Every now and then you gotta get a little rough
They’ll love you more if you treat ’em tough

And the even more disturbing:

If she says you can’t go out with your boys
Don’t be chicken, just tell her off
Lock her in the closet and stomp right out
And then she’ll know who’s boss

These lyrics, advocating for controlling and even abusive behavior in relationships, are deeply troubling. They move beyond the realm of misguided humor and venture into endorsing harmful and unacceptable relationship dynamics. The fact that Jimmy Soul followed up “If You Wanna Be Happy” with “Treat ‘Em Tough” suggests that the problematic messages were not accidental or satirical, but rather a deliberate, albeit misguided, artistic choice.

Finding Humor in Hindsight: The Shrek Connection

Despite its deeply flawed message, “If You Wanna Be Happy” does possess a certain comedic value in retrospect. One way to approach the song with a lighter perspective is to view it through the lens of popular culture. The idea of an unlikely pairing where conventional beauty standards are subverted can be found in stories like Shrek. The animated film, with its tale of an ogre and a princess who transforms into an ogre herself, provides an ironic and humorous counterpoint to the song’s superficial message.

In this context, “If You Wanna Be Happy” can be reimagined as a bizarrely twisted theme song for Shrek and Fiona’s unconventional romance. The song’s advice, taken literally, becomes absurd when applied to a couple who defy traditional notions of beauty and happiness. Perhaps the best way to engage with “If You Wanna Be Happy” today is to recognize its flaws, acknowledge its problematic message, and ultimately, choose to skip the song and watch Shrek instead for a genuinely heartwarming and humorous take on finding happiness in unexpected places.

SOURCES

Macamba0. “Jimmy Soul 6/1988.” Rock And Roll Paradise 28 October 2016. Web. 19 May 2022.

IMAGE SOURCES

Single cover from Wikipedia
Images of Shrek and Fiona from Pinterest and Dev Discourse