R.E.M. – Shiny Happy People

“Shiny Happy People” is a song by the American rock band R.E.M. from their seventh studio album, Out of Time (1991). It features guest vocals by Kate Pierson of the B-52’s, who also appears in the music video. According to the singer Michael Stipe, the lyrics are a satirical translation of the Chinese government’s propaganda following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

Shiny happy people laughing

Meet me in the crowd, people, people Throw your love around, love me, love me Take it into town, happy, happy Put it in the ground where the flowers grow Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people laughing

Everyone around, love them, love them Put it in your hands, take it, take it There’s no time to cry, happy, happy Put it in your heart where tomorrow shines Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people laughing

Whoa, here we go

Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people holding hands Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people) Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people) Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)