Released: 2023
“Bigger Houses” by Dan + Shay dives into the age-old wisdom that happiness isn’t found in material wealth or possessions. Instead, it highlights the importance of love, family, and appreciating the simple joys in life. The song reflects on the pressures of keeping up with societal expectations and the realization that true contentment lies elsewhere.
The song starts with the narrator reminiscing about dreams of wealth and status, symbolized by a ‘bigger house’ on a hill. This is a common aspiration, but as the narrator grows older, they realize that these dreams don’t hold the same weight anymore. It’s a nod to the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mentality, where people feel pressured to match their neighbors’ success.
The chorus drives home the message that there’s always something more to chase, whether it’s a newer car or a bigger yard. However, these pursuits don’t necessarily lead to fulfillment. The line about an ’empty cup’ suggests that material gains can’t satisfy emotional or spiritual needs. Happiness, the song asserts, isn’t found in bigger houses.
In the second verse, the focus shifts to the joys of family life. The imagery of kids’ footsteps and dogs playing paints a picture of a warm, loving home. This verse suggests that life’s true value lies in these everyday moments, not in the pursuit of more. The porch swing scene is a classic country image, emphasizing simple pleasures.
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the song’s central theme. It reminds listeners that the chase for more can be endless and ultimately unsatisfying. The phrase ‘greener grass’ is a metaphor for the constant desire for what others have, which can lead to discontent. The song concludes by reaffirming that happiness doesn’t reside in material possessions.
