Smiling Faces Sometimes
The Undisputed Truth
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Smiling faces sometimes Pretend to be your friend Smiling faces show no traces Of the evil that lurks within (can you dig it?) Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes They don't tell the truth Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof Oh, oh, yeah Let me tell you The truth is in the eyes 'cause the eyes don't lie, amen Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend So, hear me when I'm saying Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes, yeah They don't tell the truth Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof (Beware) beware of the handshake That hides the snake (can you dig it, can you dig it?) I'm a-tellin' you beware of the pat on the back It just might hold you back Jealousy,(jealousy) misery (misery) envy (envy) I tell you you can't see behind Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes Hey, they don't tell the truth Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof Hey, your enemy won't do you no harm (Rap on) 'cause you'll know where he's comin' from Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya Take my advice, I'm only tryin' to school ya Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes They don't tell the truth Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
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Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Original CompositionThe song "Smiling Faces Sometimes" was originally composed by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for The Temptations.
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Released YearThe Temptations' version was released in 1971 as an album track on "Sky's The Limit".
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Single VersionThe producers put out a single version by The Undisputed Truth later in 1971, which became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
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The Song MessageThe song carries a powerful message warning of fake friends, with lyrics like "Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes/They don't tell the truth."
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Musical StyleIt embodies the late-period Temptations' psychedelic soul sound, and is a product of Whitfield's cinematic approach to soul music.
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The Undisputed Truth VersionThe Undisputed Truth’s version of "Smiling Faces Sometimes" stands as the group's biggest hit, reaching number three on the pop charts and topping the R&B charts in 1971.
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Original LengthThe Temptations' original version of the song is over 12 minutes long, whereas The Undisputed Truth's successful version was shortened to just 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
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The Temptations VersusDespite the association The Temptations have with the song, it was The Undisputed Truth's version that became popular and received significant radio play. The Temptations’ version took a secondary role.
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InfluenceThe song’s popularity made it susceptible to several covers, notably R&B artist Bobby "Blue" Bland's in 1974 and sound sample used in the 90’s by several Hip-Hop artists.
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Critical ReceptionThe song continues to be lauded for its poignant message, psychedelic soul feel and cinematic storytelling supported by impeccable vocals, and it’s considered a classic of early 70s soul music.
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Citation
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