Up for sale, never sold
Getting older and it shows
Your disappointment only grows
And no one seems to care
That you never got your share
Who said life was fair?
So smile - it's not so bad
You lost your health
Never had no wealth
So tighten up your belt
As you gather dust upon some shelf
You lost by just a nose
But there's no prize for place or show
Now, at least, you know
So smile - it's not so bad
Tired out and broken down
You've played the field and made the rounds
Now you're stuck in this one-horse town
Your only solace is the sound of melody and verse
Though your bag's about to burst
Others have it worse
So smile - it's not so bad
This song is great... really love the harmony that Janet adds on top of Sam's vocals.
I have to disagree with people's comments here that this song is uplifting. I'd say there are a few Quasi songs that are depressing lyrically or songs that discuss depression. Sam's lyrics can also be sarcastic, and that's what I'm taking with this song.
I suffer from clinical depression and most of my life people have told me that I should try be happy, because "others have it worse." I find that sentiment dangerous and honestly false, as that won't cure people of depression or make them feel any better... it usually makes them feel worse. And that's what I think Sam is trying to show in this song.
That's my interpretation and I'm probably wrong, but that's at least what I've taken away from this song. Maybe I'm being a bit cynical and this song is really just trying to instill happiness in the listener, but I'm just applying the lyrics to my experience (as music should be interpreted).
Grooviness, I tell you!
A wonderful, perfect end to an album. In the end, just f**k it. Smile, and live in the moment. You're not being tortured, or undergoing Chinese Water Torture.
Realllllllllllllly good song. Always cheers me up when I'm in a bad mood.