Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)

As previously mentioned in the “Happy Man” post, college is a time in order to figure out what brings us happiness. This is what Kid Cudi explores in his song “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare).” Taken in the right context, this song has the potential to bare some good fruit for the listener.

Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) has put Cudi on the map largely due to its features Ratatat and MGMT. Combined, these artists are able to produce a melancholy beat composed of guitar, piano, and synths. The beat creates an overall tone of sadness even though the song’s purpose is to fine some sort of happiness. This contrast gives an eerie feeling to the song and emphasizes the story Cudi is revealing to his audience.

Crush a bit, little bit
Roll it up, take a hit
Feeling lit, feeling right
Two AM, summer night, I don’t care

The song begins with Cudi describing one of his typical summer nights. Here, it is clear how important smoking weed is to Cudi. It can then be interpreted that weed is part of Cudi’s search for happiness. It is an escape from the real world and a chance for Cudi to sit back and relax.

However, after these lyrics Cudi says:

Hand on the wheel
Driving drunk I’m doing my thang

When I first heard this song, I thought Cudi was condoning drunk driving. However, these lyrics must be taken in the right context. According to Cudi,

“When I’m singing about driving drunk on “Pursuit of Happiness” on MOTM, you may remember that it was a nightmare. It was meant to be scary, the craziness, the fact that this person chooses to look for happiness in substances; and that’s scary, that’s a terrible combination, that’s a terrible way to go about things.” (https://genius.com/68135)

On one hand, this is refreshing to hear because Cudi adamantly opposes drinking and driving. However, Cudi appears to be somewhat hypocritical when he shoots down people for looking for happiness in substances. Isn’t this exactly what he was doing in the opening lines? Although weed may not be has harmful as alcohol, it can’t be ignored that some people still use it as an escape.

Next, Cudi sings:

Living my life, getting our dreams
People told me slow my roll
I’m screaming out fuck that

This is a classic shades-on and haters-off type of verse. Here, Cudi seems to be confident in the person he is. However, Cudi does not realize that maybe other people have something of value to say. Even though Cudi is being open with his audience about his problems, he still appears to be pushing people away. Even though this may be true, Cudi’s optimism is apparent in the refrain of the song.

The refrain of the song is repeated seven times throughout.

I’m on the pursuit of happiness and I know
Everything that’s shine ain’t always gonna be gold (hey)
I’ll be fine once I get it, get it in, I’ll be good

First of all, Cudi recognizes that he is on a long journey which is the first step towards finding real happiness. The second line could be interpreted as Cudi realizing that all the drinking and smoking isn’t going to fill the hole in his life. Although substance use might alleviate suffering for a short amount of time, they don’t give Cudi the sustaining happiness that he is looking for. Cudi’s ache for something more is seen in the last line because once he finds what makes him happy, everything will finally be alright. The hole in his life will no longer have to be filled with constant drinking and smoking.

At first glance, this song appears to be very dark. The listener is transported into the mind of Cudi and it is not a pretty place. Taken in the right context, this song shows the battle of substance addiction. Although Cudi really likes getting drunk and high, he knows that they won’t bring him ultimate joy in life. Because Cudi is very open about his problems with his listeners, this song has the capabilities of helping someone that might be going through the same problems.

See the music video for Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) here: