My Happiness (Powderfinger song)

My Happiness is a song by Australian rock band Powderfinger, released in 2000 as the first single from their fourth studio album, Odyssey Number Five. It is widely considered one of the band's signature songs and one of the most popular Australian songs of the early 2000s.

The song's lyrics, written primarily by frontman Bernard Fanning, deal with themes of loneliness, longing, and the challenges of maintaining relationships while on tour. Fanning has described the song as being about the emotional distance he felt from loved ones while the band was travelling extensively to promote their music. The lyrics explicitly reference the physical separation and the emotional toll it takes, expressing a yearning for connection and a search for happiness amidst the demands of a touring musician's life.

Musically, "My Happiness" is characterized by its melancholic melody, layered guitars, and Fanning's emotive vocals. The song builds from a quiet, introspective beginning to a more powerful and anthemic chorus. It features a prominent use of dynamics, contrasting quieter verses with a more forceful chorus. The song's structure and instrumentation contribute to its overall feeling of longing and introspection.

"My Happiness" achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 4 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. It also gained international recognition, particularly in North America, where it received significant airplay on alternative rock radio stations. The song helped to propel Odyssey Number Five to become Powderfinger's most successful album.

The song has been the recipient of several awards, including an ARIA Award for Single of the Year in 2001. It has been covered by various artists and remains a popular song in Australian music culture. It is often cited as one of Powderfinger's best and most enduring works.