Have A Nice Day!

The album can be found on all major streaming platforms click here for Spotify and click the image to purchase the album which I would recommend.

Language is a very interesting thing. You can say something that technically only has one meaning yet you change the way you say it, your body language while you are saying it or the context in which you are saying it and it takes on a different meaning. This is certainly the case with the phrase “have a nice day.” There are tracks in this album where there is a genuine sense of caring for someone and/or a desire to help them. There are others that are more along the lines of telling someone to go screw themselves. It is ingenious the way this album is arranged and the manner in which all the ideas and subjects come together. Much like the albums namesake I feel that the theme of this album will vary depending on the context and circumstances and the way someone listens to it. For me though; at least at the time of writing this, the central message is not being afraid to be yourself as well as knowing your limits and being sure you are cared for before reaching out to others. It doesn’t matter if you are a bit weird or quirky or if at times you can be a bit crazy; if you don’t care about yourself you will find that most others don’t either. You may have an issue or issues that you struggle with constantly and for one reason or another whether it be societal pressures or those from some other source you feel a need to hide certain aspects of yourself. You should not do that; you should be yourself unapologetically. You shouldn’t care about those who are unable to handle every bit of you, even the messy parts. Regardless of what you get from this album what will be universal is the sincerity and emotional intensity; it is clear to me that Melissa put part of her heart and soul into forging this album and I have no doubt you will come to the same conclusion as you listen.

I don’t know if I have ever wrote an actual thank you to those who take the time to read my oft times scattered and non sensical ramblings. So I want to officially say thanks to anyone who takes any amount of time to read any of my posts and I wouldn’t feel bad if you ever cannot make it to the end. This feels especially pertinent as this one won’t be particularly short(though I would like to believe it’s worth a read). There are quite a few tracks to go through and I have much to say.

Have A Nice Day!

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Have A Nice Day! /

There are a few tracks on this album which I have previously written about so I will include links to those posts if you would like to check them out. It just so happens this is the case for the first two tracks on the album “pretty little nightmare” and “Yours” . They are wonderful tracks that create a fantastic beginning for this album.

“Night And Day” 

I don’t feel that I have discovered the treasures this track holds; I do enjoy it so I am going to talk about it anyway.

I’ve been telling people you’re alright 

Brave face and a prettier lie 

Got me higher than the whole blue sky 

Oh no 

You’re the only thing on my mind 

Sleepwalking letting days go by 

I’ve been hoping that I might be fine 

I won’t 

I’ve been thinking ‘bout you 

Night and day 

Night and day 

Hope and praying that you  

Do the same 

Do the same 

Got me feeling like I might go insane 

Over you 

Got me thinking ‘bout you 

Night and day 

Is this simply infatuation? A deep sense of caring? What happened in this relationship? A life-changing event. Did one person simply just leave? Perhaps I am thinking to hard here and wanting to know details which the song was never meant to include. Certainly wouldn’t be the first time I have overthought about a song.

So maybe I should stop 

Before I get too far ahead 

I read your horoscope this morning 

It said you ain’t seen nothing yet 

(mine said I’m crazy again) 

Both the inclusion of horoscopes and being crazy tells me this is a nod to the track “Gemini Season” which comes at the end of the album. I enjoy the easter eggs that are scattered throughout the album.

In the back of the car 

On my way to the bar 

There’s a song playing somewhere 

And I don’t hear anything 

Lost in my thoughts 

Are you dreaming of us? 

Probably not 

Well anyways 

I’ve been thinking ‘bout you 

Night and day 

Night and day
Hope and praying that you
Do the same
Do the same
Got me feeling like I might go insane
Over you
Got me thinking 'bout you
Night and day
Night and day
And I'm hoping that you
Feel the same
Feel the same
In my feelings like
Copy paste
Copy paste
Are you thinking that you might go insane
Over us
'Cause I’ve been thinking 'bout you
Night and day

You look so good 

Its not fair 

Want you so bad 

You don’t care 

I’ll play it cool  

Don’t be fooled 

To me the first couple lines of this track say a lot. If not for them I may question whether the relationship talked about in this track was real or just imagined. If people are asking you how another person is that implies that you would know the answer. Now you have either broken up or possibly on a break and it feels as if your entire life is consumed by wondering if they are feeling the same way you are, but you are leaning towards no. Certainly a relatable concept and I enjoy the way it is presented here. I also have to say that the way the “copy paste” is utilized here is just brilliant. I was laughing the first time I heard it as I just adore it; it’s subtle and great. I am certain I will discover more personal meaning here as I spend more time listening.

“Four Seasons”

You’re four seasons in a day 

Cloudy and rain and summer sun 

You’re cold and you’re gray 

But it all fades away 

To summer sun 

You had me at hello 

I feel like fall 

Turned my leaves yellow  

Stepped on me, moved along 

Came back like snow in October 

Caught me by surprise 

Eyes like a blue sky, shoulder like ice 

Feeling like I’m in a drought 

And I wanna figure you out 

You’re four seasons in a day 

Cloudy and rain and summer sun 

You’re cold and you’re gray 

But it all fades away 

To summer sun 

Sometimes I wish you were more like California 

All year long, nice and warm 

Four seasons in a day 

Cloudy and rain and summer sun 

And it’s not like me babe 

To go along like this 

When you let me down and shut me out 

Then ask me how I’ve been 

Its like the clocks changed  

And I’m in the dark 

Counting down the days  

‘Till I’m in your arms 

The inclusion of “let me down” here is at least in my mind another easter egg which points to the next track in the album. While it is not this obvious throughout the album I love discovering all the nods and hints to other tracks, it is a brilliant puzzle that I am okay with probably never solving.  

In this track I get the sense that the context of the let me down is much different than it is in the subsequent track. To me this song is about trying to help someone who is struggling. The seasons mentioned are perhaps cycles or moods that they are going through. Depression is what comes to my mind as its something I can relate to; there are of course many other things this could be. I just don’t get the sense that the individual in this track is purposefully shutting others out or trying making them feel as if they are stepping on them. I know that when I am struggling and not in a good mindset that I oft times treat others unfairly. Those around you will want to help but sometimes there isn’t anything they can do except just be there and being on the supporting side of it is its own kind of difficult. 

“let me let you down” 

I previously talked about this track at great length; I found much to talk about which will shock and amaze nobody who has been around here for any length of time.

“Pick It Up” 

If you knew me better  

You wouldn’t bother 

Asking how I’ve been 

No matter the weather 

I’m just treading water 

Sinking down deep in my skin 

Life is a wheel 

I’m riding the highest 

Waiting for something to turn 

Not happy or high 

Or good only fine 

Sitting expecting the worst 

But I’ll pick it up again tomorrow 

Life’s too good to feel this hollow 

I’ll pick it up again tomorrow, I know 

Oh I’ll pick it up again tomorrow 

No time left to waste or borrow 

I’ll pick it up again tomorrow 

Oooh ooh ooh ooh 

And look at the sunset 

Isn’t it pretty? 

Just wait for the lights in an hour from the city 

My friend said in August the stars all fall down 

If we want to see them then we should leave town 

One day I’ll leave here and I won’t come back 

And I’ll miss this view and all that we have 

The sunset is pretty 

And I shouldn’t cry 

‘Cause right in this moment 

Everything’s fine 

But my mind doesn’t know 

And my mind doesn’t stop 

And I should be happy and I shouldn’t cry 

‘Cause right in this moment 

Everything’s fine 

This track is the pinnacle of melancholic melodies within the album. It speaks of this agonizing pain and it’s not a breakup song or a song about a specific tragedy; as far as I can tell, where you can pinpoint where the pain is coming from and give it a name and a face. In this case the pain is just there and it demands to be felt. The best you can do is just to push through it as best as you can.  

As I listen to this track it makes me think of “No Thrills” a track that Melissa released back in 2020. While they sound different they share a similar theme. They both speak on working through things that you struggle with daily.  

It’s a very relatable track; sometimes you experience thoughts, feelings, emotions and you don’t know why you are feeling them or where they came from. You don’t want to or think you should be feeling them but that doesn’t change what you are experiencing.

“fine” 

All I want 

Is only the best for you 

Why is that so hard 

For the universe to do? 

Sometimes I lie awake 

Just hoping that you’re okay 

I’d give you all I have 

To make it that way 

Tell me what’s the matter 

You’ve been sinking faster 

Promise I won’t tell you “it’s a matter of time 

‘Til you’re okay” 

Or “Everyone has bad days 

And I know everything will be alright” 

Cuz I know you better 

Than to say whatever 

When your happy seems a little hard to find 

To me this is saying so much more than what is written. You know what the person is like when they may be having a hard time finding their happy, which for me suggests some kind of ongoing struggle. This is definitely a theme throughout the album. You know both what and what not to say to them. You don’t just inundate them with generic platitudes that are essentially meaningless. Everyone needs at least one person like this to help them when they are down.

I can’t change the weather 

But I’ll stay forever 

‘Til I can look at you 

And know that you’re fine 

It is an unbelievable feeling to have someone who cares about you so much. It also feels good to care about someone in this way; however, it hurts even more when you care in this way but are unable to do much of anything when you want to. Though I know from experience that just being there with someone and sitting with them even in silence really does help. 

“Cheer For You” 

You’ve been playing by the rules with the nice folks 

They've been bluffing 

Cuz the good girls cashing in their gold stars 

All go home with nothing 

It’s always the same 

One step forward, two steps back 

Showed up early 

Still coming in last 

And everybody wants to win 

Someone’s gotta lose 

But I’ll 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

Promise I’ll be over on the sidelines 

When it’s hard 

I’ll cheer for you 

You’ve been wide eyed 

Baby you tried 

But you came up short 

And the rose coloured glasses on your face 

Aren’t so pink no more 

“Just make your own luck!” they say  

We don’t have that kind of power we’re 

Wishing on petals of dying flowers 

‘Cause everybody wants to win 

Someone’s gotta lose 

But I’ll 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

Promise I’ll be over on the sidelines 

When it’s hard 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

Promise I’ll be over on the sidelines 

When it’s hard 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

(I’ll cheer for) 

Everybody wants to win 

Someone’s gotta lose 

But I’ll 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

Promise I’ll be over on the sidelines 

When it’s hard 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

Promise I’ll be over on the sidelines 

When it’s hard 

I’ll cheer for you 

(I’ll cheer for you) 

(I’ll cheer for) 

Everybody wants to win 

Someone’s gotta lose 

But I’ll 

I’ll cheer for you 

This is an encouraging track that is injected with this astounding sense of sincerity. At the beginning I spoke on how genuine this album is and this track is a prime example of that. Rather than clichés and platitudes often given as encouragement here it is stated that life is hard, everyone loses at times and that sucks they will have someone to be there through everything. They will have someone to cry with and they will share in both the joys and sorrows that are experienced. In a very clever sort of way I feel that there is so much more emotion in this track than what you see on the surface; as if contains this subterranean network of emotions.  

“Good As New” 

I don’t know what to think about you 

So I don’t 

Could say sorry with my fingers all crossed 

But I won’t, no 

You were the rain and you lasted forever 

Dragged on and on and on like Pacific Northwest weather 

And I waited all year for a nice day 

And I watched you dissolve like a cloud break 

This contains such a perfect amount of cheekiness; saying you could do this but nope I won’t. Sometimes people do things which no longer entitle them to any more of your time and attention. We are told a lot here in a short time. What a stellar introduction for a track.  

I’m not a quitter 

But giving up feels so good 

When its giving up on you 

I’m not bitter  

I’m good as new 

I’m good as new 

Oh I’m good as new 

Have you ever had those people in your life who when you are around them you feel like a weight has been tied to your feet and you’ve been tossed into the ocean? If the answer is yes, then I’d say this song is for you. At least the way this track speaks to me is by explaining what it is like to rid yourself of that person type of person. Once you are able to do it the clouds part, the sun shines and its as if you are seeing the world clearly for the first time in forever. 

Well the back of my mind 

Is still on my mind 

And there’s only so much overthinking 

One sane girl can do 

‘Til it lives in your bones 

‘Til it makes you its home  

And it tries so hard to break you

I bit my tongue, I cracked my teeth 

I smile different than you’re used to, oh 

Well God forbid  

You keep your feelings as your own 

Well I don’t care about them anymore 

This is so deftly stated. “Til it lives in your bones…” this is what hit me hard there is such powerful imagery here it evokes this great sense of empathy as I listen. It is possible that there was a time when a more pleasant and positive relationship with the individual talked about here existed, but I get the impression that ship sailed many moons ago. Maybe there was a romantic relationship here or perhaps it was a friendship. Either way you can only give yourself to a person for so long if they are giving nothing back you. There comes a time when you hopefully conclude that you should cut them from your life. This is a lesson that took me too long to learn. Learning lessons the hardest way possible is generally the path I tend to go down.

I’m not a quitter 

But giving up feels so good 

When its giving up on you 

And I’m not bitter  

Not anymore, no 

I’m good as new 

I’m good as new 

“And I’m not bitter not anymore, no I’m good as new” Fantastic! It is a subtle change the way “and” is added to the chorus here yet it adds this finality to the track. As if to say I’m done with this. This leads into the bad vibes interlude in a brilliant way. In this track you give up on someone who deserves it and in the next track this progresses into “You keep your problems, I’ve got mine and I don’t need you bringing down with your bad vibes.” The way these tracks are interconnected is outstanding.   

“bad vibes (interlude)”

I guess its a gut feeling situation 

This conversation’s going places I don’t want to go 

I might be allergic to your nonsense 

I know that sounds so fake 

I really mean it though 

I would probably use a word less nice than nonsense, but I certainly agree that you can be so averse to putting up with people's crap that you might as well be allergic.  

Oooh on my sleepless nights 

You’re making noise in my head 

All smiles, bleeding me dry 

Can’t put my finger on it but 

I don’t need your bad vibes 

I don’t have enough time 

You keep your problems 

I’ve got mine 

I’ve got enough sleepless nights on my own I don’t need others giving me any so I certainly understand this sentiment. “All smiles, bleeding me dry” there are a few different things this makes me think of foremost among them is the feeling when you must put on a facade and act in a way that’s contrary to how you feel.  

Rose quartz crystal rhodinite 

Manifest you’ll be alright 

Burn my sage for you tonight 

And all your bad vibes 

They say energy don’t lie 

Think it’s time to say goodbye 

Goodbye 

This ending is superb! I love this sign off at the end. This last part gives me a definite sorry not sorry kind of vibe. “Manifest you’ll be alright...” You need to take care of yourself, and I’ll do the same.  

“Gemini Season” 

I had quite a bit of fun writing about this track it is a fun pop track which also possesses remarkable depth.

“Have A Nice Day!” 

We have arrived at the title track and it is a doozy.

(I hope you have a real nice day) 

I’ve been catching strays 

When I should be catching feels 

I don’t get the deal  

Why’re you coming for me? 

I’m not heaven sent 

But you’ve been hell bent 

On raising all hell on me 

I’ve been here making lemonade 

Now I don’t taste a thing 

I think I wanna’ feel something again 

You can rain on my parade 

Try to ruin my day 

Good luck with that 

You can only make so much good out of a situation that sucks. Eventually you come to realize that it just sucks no matter how much you try to spin it so you can’t stay it in you’ve got to move on. This is what I get from the line “I’ve been here making...” You take control of how you are feeling and don’t let someone else have this negative impact on your life. 

Cuz I, I wish you all the best 

There’s nothing left to say 

I hope you have a real nice day 

You know you made it rain 

I smiled through the pain 

I hope you have a real nice day 

I don’t need to hear you say it back 

Just leave us in the past 

Keep it moving babe 

I guess that I hope you’re okay 

And you’re done with me  

No thank you, have a nice day 

This track has a particularly cheeky vibe to it that I love the way that it emerges here. Essentially saying at the end “yeah I actually don’t really care if you have a nice day.” I was audibly laughing the first time I heard this chorus I find it audacious in the best of ways. 

Gave it all my all 

A hundred percent 

Bet you think I’m so empty 

You gave me you’re worst 

Now baby listen up 

You won’t get the best of me 

I’ve been here making lemonade 

Now I don’t taste a thing 

I think I wanna’ feel something again 

You can rain on my parade 

Try to ruin my day 

(Good luck with that) has this answering machine vibe  

Almost had me 

You’d never tell 

I bet it hurts so bad 

I’m doing so damn well 

(too blessed to be stressed) 

This is such a lyrical slap in the face, and I am here for it! There is this wonderful “rubbing someone’s face in it” kind of energy in this song and here its blatant which is great; sometimes for catharsis you need to drop some cheeky insults. Also the spoken line at the end is a clever detail. It's simple yet it adds this magnificent energy to the track. 

Oh I, I wish you all the best 

There’s nothing left to say 

I hope you have a real nice day

I guess that I hope you’re okay 

And you’re done with me  

No thank you, have a nice day 

*whistling* 

Have a real, real, real nice day 

*laughter* 

The “Oh” that we get here I changes what’s being said even though the words are the same. Rather than saying “Cuz” the “Oh” makes me feel almost like it’s a bit of an afterthought saying “oh you’re still here, yeah I wish you all the best or whatever.” The whistling and laughter adds to this carefree attitude that’s perpetuated in that track. You are wishing this other individual the best but you are through putting in any effort into their happiness; instead you are focusing that energy on yourself which is important. It is a fantastic wrap up of the album however if you purchase “Have A Nice Day!” or check out Melissa’s YouTube you are blessed with a bonus track which I enjoy even more as a closing track for this magnificent album. 

“Right Where You Left Me (bonus track)” 

I used to think 
I knew almost everything 
I kinda miss being hurt 
I used to know in my bones 
It would all just work out 
And lately I am not so sure 

I do my best to stay away from clichés, modern slang and anything related, but the phrase hurts so good really applies here. I remember hearing this track for the first time and it ripped away at my heart strings yet while I was tearing up I also felt this peace of mind knowing that someone else has felt the same way. It’s a feeling that is hard to adequately describe but I would guess you have probably felt this before so you get it. 

I'm indecisive 
Think I lost my mind 
Somewhere between it all 
Walking on eggshells 
Missing myself 
 
I'm right here 
Right where you left me 
A stand still 
Just making ends meet 
I am going through all of the motions 
Waiting for something to come back to me 
The seasons all changed 
I'm still hibernating 
Tired of feeling so cynical waiting 
To wake up and just be the same 
Right where you left me 

The mentioning of seasons all changing is a wonderful call back to the “Four Seasons” track. Besides that, the thoughts and feelings discussed here tie in perfectly with so many of the other tracks in the album. 

Something's been off 
Can't put my finger on what 
The more that I Cry 
The more that I feel 
Like I'm someone I don't know 
Think I remember a time when I wasn't that way 
And all that I want is to go back and just be the same (oh)

By this point when I listen I am steadily approaching sobbing territory “the more that I cry...” this part is what does it; it so forcefully causes me to get into a particular head space and be immensely affected by what is being said.  

I'm right here 
Right where you left me 
A stand still 
Just making ends meet 
I am going through all of the motions 
Waiting for something to come back to me 
The seasons all changed 
I'm still hibernating 
Tired of feeling so cynical waiting 
To wake up and just be the same 
Right where you left me 
 
I hurt myself 
Say I'm okay 
But I don't trust a word I say 
I'm right here 
Right where you left me 

After this I am past sobbing and I often found myself exclaiming; sometimes even out loud, “Melissa, why are you doing this to me!?” This one line “but I don’t trust a word I say” it is an emotional TKO. I am certain that I didn’t hear the rest of the song after this point the first few times I listened as I was preoccupied with being an emotional wreck.

There is a particular time in my life that this track brings to the forefront of my mind which is why it breaks me as hard as it does. It was one of those you don’t know what you got til its gone type of situations. Sometimes gone may not necessarily mean no chance of seeing them again but in this case it did and that really exacerbated the feelings I had of not appreciating what I had at the time. When this track speaks of missing being hurt, missing yourself, just making ends meet, punishing yourself, saying your okay when it isn’t true, these are all feelings I experienced while working through this instance of grief. I made it through, and this track reminds me both of times when I didn’t know if I would make it as well as that first realization I had that I truly was on the other side of it. I felt like myself once again. It is this magnificent storm of emotions, and it hits me like whirlwind of elation and anguish every time I listen and its such a splendidly cathartic experience. I absolutely cannot imagine of a better ending to this masterfully crafted album. I feel that I haven’t stated this enough so this applies to previous albums I have written about as well. Just digging in and striving to really figure out what this album meant to me and writing about it has been this incredibly emotionally exhausting experience in the best way possible. So it is unfathomable for me to think about what it would be like to be the creator of something like this. I don’t know how you conceive something so infused with potent emotions and come out the other side. So shout out to all those indie singer-songwriters that manage to create such thought provoking music again and again without breaking themselves.