In happier, Olivia Rodrigo wishes the best for an ex–lover and their new relationship, but simultaneously hopes to remain a significant memory in their life.

The whole album of SOUR centers on the loss of a lover, in Rodrigo’s case losing Joshua Bassett to Sabrina Carpenter. From the scathing good 4 u to the bitter deja vu headed up by the heartbreaking drivers license, the album is full of songs directed by her ex–boyfriend, revealing Olivia’s heartbreak in him leaving her. By the eighth track, Olivia starts to accept the fact that even though she wants him back, it is doubtful it will happen. Olivia wants him to know that even though she is letting him go, she wants him to remember that she was the best he could ever get.

Olivia first teased the song on Instagram on January 13, 2020, by posting an acoustic snippet with the caption: “she do be writing doe. ‘happier’ by me!”

lyrics

We broke up a month ago
Your friends are mine, you know I know
You’ve moved on, found someone new
One more girl who brings out the better in you
And I thought my heart was detached
From all the sunlight of our past
But she’s so sweet, she’s so pretty
Does she mean you forgot about me?

Oh, I hope you’re happy
But not like how you were with me
I’m selfish, I know, I can’t let you go
So find someone great, but don’t find no one better
I hope you’re happy, but don’t be happier

And do you tell her she’s the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen?
An eternal love bullshit you know you’ll never mean
Remember when I believed
You meant it when you said it first to me?
And now I’m pickin’ her apart
Like cuttin’ her down will make you miss my wretched heart
But she’s beautiful, she looks kind
She probably gives you butterflies

I hope you’re happy
But not like how you were with me
I’m selfish, I know, I can’t let you go
So find someone great, but don’t find no one better
I hope you’re happy
I wish you all the best, really
Say you love her, baby
Just not like you loved me
And think of me fondly when your hands are on her
I hope you’re happy, but don’t be happier

Ooh, ooh–ooh
Ooh–ooh, ooh–ooh

I hope you’re happy
Just not like how you were with me
I’m selfish, I know, can’t let you go
So find someone great, but don’t find no one better
I hope you’re happy, but don’t be happier

lyric video