Anthony Brown - Na Na Ok (The Happy Song) Lyrics
Lyrics
Refrain (choir):
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (feels good)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Verse 1 (choir):
Just woke up and feeling blue, baby's crying, bills are due
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Haven't even left the house already fighting with my smile
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Traffic moving super slow, hurry up I gotta go!
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Why must people be so rude? I ain't even in the mood
Got me feeling like I'm feeling out of control
Pre-Chorus (optional solo ad lib):
Life is too short not to dance everyday
Turn that frown upside down and smile it away
Give a kiss, give a hug
Give everybody love
Don't let your situation make you change your disposition
Chorus (optional solo ad lib):
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I just say hey hey things may not always go my way
But I just got a feeling that it's gon be OK
Refrain (choir):
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (turn it up. Turn it up. Turn it up!)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Verse 2 (choir):
Now that we're on the move might as well enjoy this groove
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Ain't nothing going perfectly but it's not as bad as it can be
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Might as well go head and dance. I'm gonna praise him in advance
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Since I still get the choice, I am choosing to rejoice
All because I know my God is still in control
Pre-Chorus (optional solo ad lib:
Life is too short not to dance everyday
Turn that frown upside down and smile it away
Give a kiss, give a hug
Give everybody love
Don't let your situation make you change your disposition
Chorus (optional solo ad lib):
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I just say hey hey things may not always go my way
But I just got a feeling that it's gon be OK
Bridge 1 (response):
It's gonna be OK! (It's gonna be OK!)
It's gonna be OK! (It's gonna be OK!)
It's gonna be OK! (It's gonna be OK!)
It's gonna be OK! (It's gonna be OK!)
(everybody)
This joy I have the world didn't give it to me (AY!)
This joy I have the world didn't give it to me (WOO!)
This joy ain't got nothing to do with what's going on around me
But it's what I feel on the inside that keeps me happy (X2)
Chorus:
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I just say hey hey things may not always go my way
But I just got a feeling that it's gon- Ladies!
Bridge 2:
You gotta dance your way to a happy place
You gotta put that smile on your face
You gotta say no matter what comes around
I ain't got let it bring me down (X2)
(choir)
Happy people everywhere lemme hear ya say (OH Yeah!)
Happy people everywhere lemme hear ya say (OH Yeah!)
Get up! (Get up!) Move something! (Move something!)
Get up! (Get up!) Move something! (Move something!)
Get up! (Get up!) Move Something! (Move something!)
Dance! (Dance!) Dance! (Dance!) Dance! (Dance!) Dance!
Refrain (choir):
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na (Na Na OK oh Na Na OK)
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Chorus:
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away
I just say hey hey things may not always go my way
But I just got a feeling that it's gon be OK
Video
Na Na Ok (The Happy Song)
Meaning & Inspiration
Anthony Brown's "Na Na Ok (The Happy Song)," released on July 28, 2017, as part of the album *A Long Way From Sunday*, is far more than a simple tune; it is a vibrant declaration of spiritual resilience. The song immediately establishes itself as an anthem for navigating the everyday turbulence of life with an unwavering spirit, echoing the universal human experience of waking up to a world that often feels overwhelmingly challenging.
The narrative begins by painting a picture of familiar exasperation: the "feeling blue" upon waking, the persistent cries of a baby, looming bills, the internal battle to find a smile, slow traffic, and the pervasive rudeness of others. These vivid scenarios resonate deeply, capturing moments where one feels "out of control" and their disposition is easily swayed by external pressures. It’s a candid acknowledgment of the frustrations that can steal joy before the day even truly begins, laying a realistic foundation for the profound spiritual shift that follows.
However, the song swiftly pivots from despair to determined defiance. The pre-chorus introduces the radical idea that "Life is too short not to dance everyday," urging a deliberate choice to "Turn that frown upside down and smile it away." This isn't merely a call for superficial cheerfulness but a deeper encouragement to actively engage with life in a spirit of love—to "Give a kiss, give a hug, Give everybody love." The core message crystallizes in the powerful decree: "Don't let your situation make you change your disposition," a truth deeply rooted in biblical wisdom. This echoes Philippians 4:4-7, which admonishes us to "Rejoice in the Lord always" and assures that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. The chorus then becomes a steadfast affirmation: "I ain't gon let nothing take my happy away," recognizing that while "things may not always go my way," there is an intrinsic belief that "it's gon be OK." This mirrors the teaching in James 1:2-4, which encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds," knowing that perseverance develops character.
As the song progresses into its second verse, it moves beyond mere acceptance to proactive engagement. "Now that we're on the move might as well enjoy this groove" shifts the mindset from passive enduring to active participating. It acknowledges that perfection is elusive—"Ain't nothing going perfectly but it's not as bad as it can be"—yet chooses to "praise him in advance." This act of anticipatory gratitude is a powerful expression of faith, aligning with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which instructs us to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances." The profound reason for this unwavering joy is explicitly stated: "Since I still get the choice, I am choosing to rejoice, All because I know my God is still in control." This understanding of divine sovereignty is the bedrock of enduring happiness, reminding us of Romans 8:28, where we are told that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him."
The bridges further amplify this message, making it a communal declaration. The repeated affirmation, "It's gonna be OK!", transforms personal hope into a shared conviction. The lyrics then articulate the distinct source of this joy, distinguishing it from fleeting worldly happiness: "This joy I have the world didn't give it to me... This joy ain't got nothing to do with what's going on around me, But it's what I feel on the inside that keeps me happy." This is the essence of spiritual joy, the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, a peace that Jesus Himself promised in John 14:27, saying, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." It is an internal wellspring, not dependent on external circumstances. The second bridge encourages active participation in maintaining this joy: "You gotta dance your way to a happy place," "put that smile on your face," and resolve "no matter what comes around, I ain't got let it bring me down." It's a call to embody the joy of the Lord, which Nehemiah 8:10 declares is our strength, turning our lament into a jubilant dance, as celebrated in Psalm 30:11. The collective shout-outs—"Happy people everywhere lemme hear ya say (OH Yeah!)"—and the spirited command to "Get up! Move something! Dance!" transform the song into a dynamic worship experience, a celebration of life lived in faith and joy, regardless of the surrounding chaos.
"Na Na Ok (The Happy Song)" stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of a God-centered perspective. It doesn't deny the existence of trouble but offers a spiritual framework for enduring it, reminding us that true happiness is a divine gift and a deliberate choice, sustained by the conviction that God remains sovereign. It’s an inspiring call to action, encouraging believers to embrace joy, extend love, and confidently declare that through Christ, everything will indeed be OK.