Meaning of “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter

“Bad Day” is one of those types of songs where you know exactly what the artist is singing about, even though the lyrics may not necessarily make the most sense. Take the third verse for instance and the fact that Daniel concludes each of the verses by noting that he “don’t need no carrying on”, even though he personally isn’t the subject of the song. 

Or let’s say that statement can be taken in a number of ways. For example the phrase “carrying on”, as a colloquialism, may point to the act of someone complaining too much. So Powter is perhaps saying that he doesn’t want to entertain the addressee’s continuous negative musings. 

Or it may be that during that particular line only, he is actually taking on the role of said addressee. And thus, ‘not carrying on’ would be his way of putting forth a desire to give up.

In any event, what is firmly established is that the other part involved is suffering from depression. As relayed, said individual “had a bad day”, though all things considered, said “day” would probably be symbolic for the current era in this person’s life. 

But the reason Daniel uses that term, as hypothesized, is to point to the notion of said depression being temporary.  In other words, he’s letting the addressee know that it will inevitably pass.

“Because you had a bad day
You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around”

And the interesting thing about this song, if such a thesis sentiment is in fact the case, is that there really aren’t any direct words of encouragement contained herein. Rather, the lyrics are more along the lines of the vocalist simply sympathizing with the addressee.

You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don’t lie
You’re coming back down and you really don’t mind”

Release of “Bad Day”

American record label, Warner Bros., officially released Daniel’s “Bad Day” on the 27th of January, 2005 as the debut single from the Canadian’s eponymous album “Daniel Powter”. The album marked the first of many more by Daniel over the years.

Singles released in support of Daniel Powter’s debut studio album?

Five singles were released from Daniel’s “Daniel Powter” album. They include:

• “Bad Day”
• “Jimmy Gets High”
• “Free Loop”
• “Lie to Me”
• “Love You Lately”

Credits for “Bad Day”

The song was composed by Daniel Powter himself. Its production has been credited to the following record producers:

• Mitchell Froom
• Jeff Dawson

Success of “Bad Day”

In addition to scoring a number 1 in the United States, this tune also has been nominated for a Grammy Award.