Despite its appearance, “happiness” has a deceptive title—as Taylor acknowledged herself during the “willow” premiere. It’s a classic Taylor track about moving on from a decaying relationship, but acknowledging the bits of joy that existed within a more destructive, hurtful context. It’s ultimately a hopeful song—what was bad was also good at times, and there will be good things still to come.

She also mentioned that this was the last song written on the album—finished just a week before release.