☝️ Key Points
- Description of an ideal world where only children live
- Emphasis on the freedom and carefreeness of childhood
- Adults have no place in this world
- Conflicts and small quarrels between the children are also addressed
- Longing for a carefree and joyful childhood, where adults play no role
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "There Is a Happy Land" by
David Bowie describe a happy world where only children live. In this land, adults have no place and children have no time to learn the ways of adults. The lyrics emphasize the freedom and carefreeness of childhood, where there are no responsibilities or worries.
There is talk of a secret place in the rhubarb fields that adults cannot access. The children play and have fun without being disturbed by adults. Various children are also mentioned, like Charlie Brown who wants to buy a kite with his half-crown, or Jimmy who is sick with chickenpox, and Tommy who has just learned how to ride a bike.
There is also a little boy named Tiny Tim who sings little prayers and hymns. Although he is often in the way, the other children still let him play. The mother calls for the children, but they don't listen, there are still so many things to do. But soon they get tired and fall asleep.
The lyrics also talk about conflicts and small fights between the children. Sometimes they get hurt or make mistakes, like Tommy who almost set the field on fire and then blames others.
Overall, the lyrics express the longing for a carefree and happy childhood, where adults have no role. It is emphasized that adults had their chance and now the doors are closed to them. The children want to be happy in their own world and want adults to leave them alone.