SPM English Practice.

If you're happy and you know it,
Clap your hands.
*clap**clap*

That's it right there - the anthem of dictatorship.

The domineering (and usually older) men and women trying to assert their elevated positions over little, innocent, ignorant kids.

Forcing them to be happy, or lie trying.

Think of it, what if li'l Ted didn't feel happy that day?

Not clapping his hands would mean stares from the other kids (peer pressure). His 'loving' teacher would then 'encourage' him to clap his hands because and simply because it's an action song.

But no, Ted is not happy. If he claps, he'd be lying.

Ted is not happy. If he claps, his right of being unhappy would be wrenched away from him.

If. There is a choice in the song: to be happy and to clap, or to do the opposite. But no, the all-powerful teacher-dictator refuses to acknowledge that fact. The teacher says,"Clap." Clap no matter what.

Everyone has a right to be unhappy. Doesn't Ted?

If you're happy and you know it,
And you really want to show it,
If you're happy and you know it,
Clap your hands.