"Don't Have To Be So Sad" by Yo La Tengo

I have been haunted by this gentle, whispering, longing song, "Don't Have To Be So Sad" by Yo La Tengo since it came out on their "Summer Sun" release nearly 20 years ago. Sometimes it just pops into my mind and I have to put it on repeat for an hour or so...

You and me
We're at some goldfish pond
And I, I was tagging along for the ride
All the big-mouthed fish really made us laugh

And while I stood still
I felt a chill
I thought that maybe you did too
I wanted to feel that way forever

And that's why
If you're looking at me, I'll try
To be what you want to see and if I
If I'm ever that lucky
You won't have to be so
You won't have to be so sad
You won't have to be so sad

Last night
I was trying to read in bed
I got to watching you sleep instead
Even when I got tired
I couldn't stop

Because I love you so
And I pray you know
But I'm not much for praying
(Ya knew I couldn't say that without making a joke)

And that's why
If you're looking at me, I'll try
To be what you want to see and if I
If I'm ever that lucky
You won't have to be so
You won't have to be so sad
You won't have to be so sad

Yeah, that's why
If you're looking at me, I'll try
To be what you want to see and if I
If I'm ever that lucky
You won't have to be so
You won't have to be so sad
You won't have to be so sad
You won't have to be so sad

https://yolatengo.com/