Why you wanna tell me how to live my life?
Who are you to tell me if it’s black or white?
Mama, can you hear me? Try to understand
Is innocence the difference ‘tween a boy and a man?
My daddy lived a lie. That’s just the price that he paid
Sacrificed his life just slaving away
Oh, if there’s one thing I hang onto
That gets me through the night
I ain’t gonna do what I don’t want to
I’m gonna live my life
Shining like a diamond, rolling with the dice
Standing on the ledge I show the wind how to fly
When the world gets in my face
I say
“Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!”
Take a look around you. Nothing’s what it seems
We’re living in the broken home of hopes and dreams
Let me be the first to shake a helping hand
Of anybody brave enough to take a stand
I’ve knocked on every door on every dead-end street
Looking for forgiveness and what’s left to believe?
Oh, if there’s one thing I hang onto
That gets me through the night
I ain’t gonna do what I don’t want to
I’m gonna live my life
Shining like a diamond, rolling with the dice
Standing on the ledge I show the wind how to fly
When the world gets in my face
I say
“Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!”
Oh, if there’s one thing I hang onto
That gets me through the night
I ain’t gonna do what I don’t want to
I’m gonna live my life
Shining like a diamond, rolling with the dice
Standing on the ledge I show the wind how to fly
When the world gets in my face
I say
“Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!”
When the world keeps trying to drag me down
Gotta raise my hand, gonna stand my ground
I say
“Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!”
Standing Up for Yourself: The Message Behind “Have A Nice Day”
“Have A Nice Day” by Bon Jovi is more than just a catchy anthem—it’s a declaration of self-empowerment and resilience. The lyrics challenge listeners to question authority and societal expectations, asking, “Why you wanna tell me how to live my life?” This rebellious spirit is balanced with a sense of hope and optimism, encouraging us to live authentically and face adversity head-on. The recurring phrase, “Have a nice day,” is delivered with a mix of sarcasm and determination, turning a common pleasantry into a powerful statement of defiance. Ultimately, the song is about refusing to be dragged down by negativity and choosing to shine despite the odds.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, John Shanks
- Release Year: 2005
- Label: Island Records