Uncertain Smile Lyrics
I felt surprised
That the time on the clock was the time
I usually retired
To the place where I cleared my head of you
But just for today
I think I'll lie here and dream of you
But if the sweat pours out
Just shout
I'll try to swim and pull you out
As street lamps pour orange colored shapes
Turn your windows
A broken soul
Stares from a pair of watering eyes
Uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile
But if the sweat pours out
Just shout
I'll try to swim and pull you out
i have listened to this song (and the whole album "soul mining") on repeat for months on end, the lyrics mean so much to me it's ridiculous. ive never ever had a connection to an artist like i have with "the the" totally amazing. the line "A broken soul, Stares from a pair of watering eyes. Uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile" really speaks to me. i feel like every song on the album relates to all parts of my life
as for the exact meaning of this song, im really not sure haha, but im guessing its about letting a parter get close to you, and letting them "under your skin", yet still being uncertain about it all, as in afraid of being hurt
I have to agree with your 1st. comment--"Soul Mining" is a helluva album & so is that song, "Uncertain Smile", which totally grooves!
I have to agree with your 1st. comment--"Soul Mining" is a helluva album & so is that song, "Uncertain Smile", which totally grooves!
Back in 1982, I was exposed to the more synth-oriented 12" mix first, which I fell in love with. Image my surprise when a yr. later (in '83) I bought "Soul Mining" & heard the piano-based version instead; however, after a few listens, I really caught on to it (as well as the rest of the album--another favorite of mine is "Perfect").
Back in 1982, I was exposed to the more synth-oriented 12" mix first, which I fell in love with. Image my surprise when a yr. later (in '83) I bought "Soul Mining" & heard the piano-based version instead; however, after a few listens, I really caught on to it (as well as the rest of the album--another favorite of mine is "Perfect").
A week or two ago, as I...
A week or two ago, as I was going through some old mixtapes of mine, I found that older 12" version--how weird was that?!? I guess I must have taped it off the radio along with a few other tracks & forgot to jot down the song title on the tape cover. Mind you, this was way back in '85 so now I am happily bouncing away to something approx. 29 yrs. old!!!
"Oh what a perfect day...to think about my silly world..."
From "Perfect" by The The (Matt Johnson)--definitely appropo in this particular situation!
Hands down my favourite The The song. The piano solo during the last two minutes+ (done by Jools Holland) is so heart warming and brilliant.
@Karl Yes indeed the piano solo at the end gives the song boost, just when the tempo picks up, the song ends, living up to it's title "Uncertain Smile"
@Karl Yes indeed the piano solo at the end gives the song boost, just when the tempo picks up, the song ends, living up to it's title "Uncertain Smile"
I think this song is about an unrequited love that the narrator hopes will become requited.
The object of his love is uncertain of her feelings, hence the title.
the first verse: ordinarily he tries to put her out of his mind, but he must actively try to do that every day, and must look at the clock to remind himself. On this one occasion, though, he indulges himself to dream of her.
The chorus is about how she's gotten under his skin, and he is ready to swoop to her rescue wheneever she shouts for help.
The second verse is about how he perceives her as a broken soul, perhaps because of her uncertainty of her feeling, and perhaps in need of his rescue.
I love this song, lyrics, music, it is wonderful.
This part- "I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in But if the sweat pours out Just shout I'll try to swim and pull you out " - makes me feel like the song is a personal guardian angel, willing to help when things get hectic.
This is my all time favorite song. The best version is the extended mix (12") Love it!