Lyric discussion by YYZ2112 

Cover art for Smile lyrics by Quasi

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).