Smile

Lily Allen

About Smile

"Smile" is the debut single by British recording artist Lily Allen from her debut studio album Alright, Still (2006). It was written by Allen, Iyiola Babalola and Darren Lewis, while sampling The Soul Brothers' "Free Soul". The song was released as the lead mainstream single of the album in July 2006. After signing a contract deal with Regal Recordings and gaining popularity on the social network website Myspace with demo songs, Allen released a limited edition of "LDN" to promote her work and afterwards announced the release of "Smile". The song incorporates rocksteady music, as the lyrics tackle her dealing with the betrayal of her boyfriend, while enjoying his misery. Most contemporary critics complimented the song, noticing the confidence it hides and the carnival-esque, yet melancholy, theme. On the other hand, some considered it was not one of the album's best tracks and it makes the singer a "theoretical pop princess". The single peaked inside the top 40 of the charts of some European countries and Australia, while staying on the summit of the UK Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks and ended the year as the country's 11th most successful song. It is also charted on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100, where it was certified gold. 


Year:
2008
3:15
100 

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When you first left me
I was wanting more
But you were fucking that girl next door
What'd you do that for? (what'd you do that for?)

When you first left me
I didn't know what to say
I'd never been on my own that way
Just sat by myself all day

I was so lost back then
But with a little help from my friends
I found the light in the tunnel at the end

Now you're calling me up on the phone
So you can have a little whine and a moan
And it's only because you're feeling alone

At first when I see you cry
It makes me smile
Yeah, it makes me smile
At worst I feel bad for awhile
But then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

Whenever you see me
You say that you want me back
And I tell you it don't mean jack
No, it don't mean jack

I couldn't stop laughing
No, I just couldn't help myself
See, you messed up my mental health
I was quite unwell

I was so lost back then
But with a little help from my friends
I found the light in the tunnel at the end

Now you're calling me up on the phone
So you can have a little whine and a moan
It's only because you're feeling alone

At first when I see you cry
Yeah, it makes me smile
Yeah, it makes me smile
At worst I feel bad for awhile
But then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la

At first when I see you cry
It makes me smile
Yeah, it makes me smile
At worst I feel bad for awhile
But then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

At first when I see you cry
It makes me smile
Yeah, it makes me smile
At worst I feel bad for awhile
But then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

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Lily Allen

Lily Rose Beatrice Cooper (née Allen; born 2 May 1985), well known by her birth name Lily Allen, now professionally known as Lily Rose Cooper, is an English recording artist, actress and fashion designer. She is the daughter of actor and musician Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen. In her teenage years, her musical tastes evolved from glam rock to alternative. Allen abandoned school and concentrated on improving her performing and compositional skills. She created several demo songs, and in 2005, she created a profile on Myspace where she made some of her recordings public. more »

1 fan

Written by: Darren Emilio Lewis, Iyiola Babatunde Babalola, Lily Rose Beatrice Allen, Donat Roy Jackie Mittoo

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Smile" was not only sung by Lily Allen, but also co-written by her along with Iyiola Babalola and Darren Lewis, a British production/songwriting duo known as Future Cut.
Release Details
"Smile" was released as Allen's debut single by Regal Recordings in July 2006. It was later included in her debut album, "Alright, Still".
Chart Achievements
It was a major success, reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart, making it Allen's first number one single in the United Kingdom.
Song's Theme
"Smile" has been classified into the genres reggae fusion and ska, and its lyrics deal with the singer's relief when her unfaithful partner decides to leave.
Music Video
The music video for "Smile" led to a controversy because of its violent plot, where Allen is seen hiring hooligans to beat up her ex-boyfriend.
Accolades
The song won the award for Best Pop Video at the 2006 UK Music Video Awards and was nominated in the category of Best Single at the 2007 BRIT Awards.
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews from critics, who generally praised it for its catchy rhythm and unique sound. It set the tone for Allen's career as a sharp, sly lyricist.
United States Debut
"Smile" was her debut single in the United States as well and received substantial airplay on alternative radio.
Television Performances
Allen performed "Smile" live on several television shows, including BBC's "Top of the Pops".
Pop Culture
The song has since been used in multiple pop culture settings, like television shows, including "Grey's Anatomy," and in films like "Perfect Stranger."

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    Smile

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2007

    Billboard #49


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