13 Super Upbeat Songs With Dark Lyrics And 7 Super Sad Songs With Happy Lyrics

We've all been there: You're just minding your own business, listening to a song, and it hits you: "Did they just say what I think they just said?"

Dream On / GOOD / Universal Motown

It's not a practice that's brand new by any means: from The Beatles to Nirvana to the Spice Girls to Rihanna, there have been plenty of artists who have offered up deceptive lyrics behind a tonally opposite rhythm. But some artists have snuck some supremely dark subject matter into dancey tunes, and other songs have painted a somber picture out of rather inspiring words. So, with this in mind, this writer has assembled a handful of upbeat songs with dark lyrics as well as a few tear-jerkers that will leave you smiling.

1."The New You," The Vandals

2."Bad Days," The Flaming Lips

3."Jersey Girl," Tom Waits/Bruce Springsteen

4."Misery," Green Day

5."Pumped Up Kicks," Foster the People

6."Lazarus," David Bowie

7."Tonight, the Streets Are Ours," Richard Hawley

8."Splendid Isolation," Warren Zevon

9."Thank You," Dido

10."Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce Springsteen

11."There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," The Smiths

12."Evening Gown," Mick Jagger

13."Pursuit of Happiness," Kid Cudi

14."Royals," Lorde

15."It’s Gonne Be (Alright)," Ween

16."Happiness," Eytan Mirsky

17."99 Red Balloons/99 Luftballons," Nena

18."Heart Songs," Weezer

19."Mary," The Subways

20."Perfect Day," Lou Reed