Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad
U2 · Other Songs - U2
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
You think I'm no good, I know I've been bad
And took you to a place, now you can't get back
And two shots of happy, one shot of sad
Walked together down a dead end street
We were mixing the bitter with the sweet
I don't try to figure out what we might of had
Just two shots of happy, one shot of sad
I'm just a singer, some say, a sinner
Rolling the dice, not always a winner
You say, I've been lucky, well, I've made my own
Not part of the crowd but not feeling alone
Under pressure, but not bent out of shape
Surrounded, we always found an escape
You drove me to drink but hey, that ain't so bad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
Guess, I've been greedy all of my life
Greedy with my children, my lovers, my wife
Greedy for the good things as well as the bad
Two shots of happy, one shot, one shot of sad
Maybe it's just talk, saloon singing
The chairs are all stacked, the swinging's stopped swinging
You say, I hurt you, you put the finger on yourself
And after you did, you came crying for my help
I'm just a singer, some say, a sinner
Rolling the dice, not always a winner
You say, I've been lucky, well, I've made my own
Not part of the crowd but not feeling alone
Rolling the dice, not always a winner
Greedy for the good things as well as the bad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
You think I'm no good, I know I've been bad
And took you to a place, now you can't get back
And two shots of happy, one shot of sad
Walked together down a dead end street
We were mixing the bitter with the sweet
I don't try to figure out what we might of had
Just two shots of happy, one shot of sad
I'm just a singer, some say, a sinner
Rolling the dice, not always a winner
You say, I've been lucky, well, I've made my own
Not part of the crowd but not feeling alone
Under pressure, but not bent out of shape
Surrounded, we always found an escape
You drove me to drink but hey, that ain't so bad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
Guess, I've been greedy all of my life
Greedy with my children, my lovers, my wife
Greedy for the good things as well as the bad
Two shots of happy, one shot, one shot of sad
Maybe it's just talk, saloon singing
The chairs are all stacked, the swinging's stopped swinging
You say, I hurt you, you put the finger on yourself
And after you did, you came crying for my help
I'm just a singer, some say, a sinner
Rolling the dice, not always a winner
You say, I've been lucky, well, I've made my own
Not part of the crowd but not feeling alone
Rolling the dice, not always a winner
Greedy for the good things as well as the bad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad
Released in 1983, 'Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad' stands as a defining track from U2's early career, capturing the band's signature blend of anthemic rock and introspective lyricism. The song reflects the turbulent period following the departure of original guitarist The Edge's brother, Larry, and the subsequent lineup changes that reshaped the group's sound. With its driving rhythm and emotional depth, the recording exemplifies the band's ability to weave personal narrative into expansive musical arrangements. It remains a staple of their discography, illustrating their evolution from the Dublin indie scene to global rock stardom while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in their early recordings.

