If you’ve spent any amount of time around young children, you’ve probably had the joy (or horror) of listening to a truly ridiculous number of kids’ songs. Most of them are relentlessly cheerful, filled with sunshine, rainbows, and questionable levels of optimism.
But then there’s Ain’t It Great to Be Gloomy?
A song that—shockingly—is all about embracing grumpiness, bad moods, and the days where you just can’t be bothered to be happy.
And honestly? I think adults—especially parents—need to hear this song more than anyone.
The Constant Pressure to Be Happy
We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us to:
✔️ “Look on the bright side!”
✔️ “Find the silver lining!”
✔️ “Be grateful! Be positive! Smile more!”
And sure, gratitude and positivity are great—but let’s be real:
Nobody is the essence of joy and happiness every single day.
I see you. I hear you. I’m with you.
- Some days, you wake up exhausted before the day even starts.
- Some days, the to-do list feels endless, and you just want to sit in a dark room alone.
- Some days, the sound of your own name being called for the 500th time makes you want to walk into the sea.
And yet, we’re expected to keep going, keep smiling, keep pretending we’re fine.
When, in reality? We all have gloomy days. And that’s okay.
What Ain’t It Great to Be Gloomy Gets So Right
Unlike most kids’ songs that preach endless sunshine and positivity, this one does the opposite.
Instead of telling us to “cheer up,” it simply says:
👉 It’s okay to be in a bad mood.
👉 You don’t always have to be happy.
👉 Sometimes, embracing the gloom is exactly what you need.
And honestly? That is so refreshing.
Because forcing happiness when you’re mentally drained, overstimulated, or just done with everything doesn’t actually help.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is:
• Acknowledge the bad mood.
• Sit in it for a bit.
• Let yourself be grumpy without guilt.
Because, like the song says—“Ain’t it great to be gloomy?”
Sometimes, yes. Yes, it is.
Why Parents Need to Hear This More Than Anyone
As parents, we often feel like we have to be the stable, cheerful, unshakable force in our kids’ lives.
✔️ We tell them, “Don’t be grumpy, cheer up!”
✔️ We try to snap them out of moods instead of letting them feel it.
✔️ We pretend we’re fine when, in reality, we’re barely holding it together.
But the truth is—kids need to see us have off days, too.
They need to know that:
• Bad moods are normal, and are not inherently bad. It’s just natural.
• Not every day has to be a good one.
• You’re still a good person even when you’re feeling miserable.
Because if we keep pushing the idea that happiness is the only acceptable emotion, what do they learn?
That feeling sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed is something to be fixed—not something to be accepted.
Again these aren’t bad feelings! (repeat at least 3 times)
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Next time you’re having a gloomy day, instead of fighting it—embrace it.
• Let yourself be grumpy.
• Cancel unnecessary plans.
• Wrap yourself in a blanket and drink a warm cup of <insert beverage of choice> in silence.
And if anyone dares to tell you to cheer up, just respond with:
“Ain’t it great to be gloomy?”
Because yes, sometimes it absolutely is.
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