‘Happier’ music video makes audience sadder

Marshmello, famous DJ and music producer, released “Happier” the music video, on Sept. 24 featuring “iCarly” star Miranda Cosgrove and an adorable golden retriever. Despite the title being called “Happier,” that was not the feeling of most viewers after watching the video.

The video starts with a young girl crying at her birthday party because she does not fit in or have many friends. She opens her first present and she is confused when she opens the big box and there is only a yellow bow inside. Her father then surprises her by giving her a puppy, which eventually becomes her childhood companion.

Throughout high school, the golden retriever helps her overcome the challenges of bullying. Then the tear jerker: the dog becomes sick as it gets older.

The dog has to be put down and Cosgrove must say goodbye to her only friend. At this point, most viewers are crying and confused why this video is called “Happier.”

Years later, Cosgrove is grown up and the same scenario of a birthday party is taking place. This time it is her daughter’s birthday and her grandfather gets her a puppy. The circle then starts again and Marshmello achieved his goal of making fans cry their eyes out.

“It reminded me of ‘Marley and Me,’ ” senior Lexi Palko said. “It’s relatable to people because everyone has lost a pet.”

“I was upset, but then I was happy because it shows the circle of life,” senior Sara Lonergan said. “It shows how things end between generations.”

Students at West Essex had bittersweet reactions to this video; some had tissues while some had no tears at all.

“I don’t know how it’s sad,” senior Alex Leu said. “If it was my dog I would be sad, but it’s not my dog.”

“I was so sad and I was in shock,” sophomore Vin Panzarino said. “I didn’t want the dog to die it really made me cry. We have to fix bullying. This poor little girl had to deal with bullying and then her best friend dies. Like it’s not fair.”

“It would have been sadder if it wasn’t Carly from iCarly,” freshman Remi Goldstein said.

Marshmello’s song has become very popular, but people might be happier if they skip over the music video and avoid the heartbreak.