Sheryl Crow 'If It Makes You Happy' Lyrics Explained: Grim Inspiration Revealed

Ahead of her official induction ceremony into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sheryl Crow explains the lyrics and the origins of her famous songs.

Apparently, the song "If It Makes You Happy," didn't actually come from a place of happiness - it was actually the opposite.

Sheryl Crow 'If It Makes You Happy' Lyrics Meaning Explained

Speaking to People Magazine, Sheryl Crow opened up about the origin of her popular song, "If It Makes You Happy."

In the past, Crow has been criticised on her debut album, "Tuesday Night Music Club," because they said the success was attributed to the many male musicians that he worked with in the past.

"There was a lot of speculation, mostly male writers, saying, 'She didn't write her own record. There were a bunch of guys in the room,'" she recalled. "It was a very sexist moment in the history of music."

Which is why on her second album, the self-titled one, she recruited Jeff Trott, who was responsible on crafting the now-iconic chorus - "If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?"

Apparently, it was a "message to everybody that had been a part of the first record." It was because while everyone has been making money from the success of the album, she's left alone in the middle, defending herself. ,

"That was basically the impetus for the song," she elaborated. "But it also through the years has redefined itself as, quit complaining everybody. Look at the joy in your life."

Decades later, Sheryl Crow has finally been recognized for her outstanding work and impact in the music industry.

Sheryl Crow in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In a Variety interview, Sheryl Crow shared that she is honored to be recognized alongside other people she looked up to in music, including Willie Nelson and Kate Bush.

Reflecting on her journey, Crow talked about how being in the room multiple times, honoring other icons, it certainly is a new experience for her being the one honored.

"I've been in that room countless times - including before it was televised. That's when you feel the weight of it, when you're in the room with people who are jamming together and you're going, I can't believe I'm in this room. So yeah, I have some astounding memories from it," Crow confessed.

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Sheryl crow, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame