Behind a Painted Smile
The Isley Brothers
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Whenever you're near I hide my tears Behind a painted smile You can't imagine the tears and sorrow Behind a painted smile My life's a masquerade A world of let's pretend, yeah Since you took your love Pretending never ends, yeah But I can't let you know That I still need you so, no (Darling I hide the tears that I cry) Whenever you're near I hide my tears Behind a painted smile You can't imagine the tears and sorrow Behind a painted smile I can't let you see All the tears I'm crying You would pity me That would be like dying If I can't have your love I don't need your sympathy (Darling I hide the tears that I cry) Whenever you're near I hide my tears Behind a painted smile You can't imagine the tears and sorrow Behind a painted smile My life is a masquerade Since you took your love away I just can't let you see How much you hurting me Whenever you're near I hide my tears Behind a painted smile
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Written by: BEATRICE VERDI, IVY HUNTER, IVY JO HUNTER
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background"Behind a Painted Smile" is a song by The Isley Brothers, an American musical group that consisted originally of two brothers, O'Kelly Isley Jr. and Rudolph Isley. The group is known for mixing diverse genres over their career including R&B, soul, rock and roll, funk, gospel, and jazz.
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Song CreationThe song was initially released in 1967. The lyrics were written by Ivy Jo Hunter and Beatrice Verdi while the production was handled by Ivy Jo.
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Chart Performance"Behind a Painted Smile" proved to be incredibly popular in the UK, reaching the top 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
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Song ThemeThe song's message is about a person who hides their anxiety and agony behind a veneer of happiness, which is symbolized in the lyrics through the 'painted smile.'
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Critical ReceptionThe track was praised for its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery. It remains one of the group’s most famous and well-loved songs, particularly in the UK.
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Legacy & ImpactNotably, "Behind a Painted Smile" is a Northern soul classic. In 2009, it was named the 80th greatest Motown song by NME.
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Live PerformancesThe Isley Brothers have included "Behind a Painted Smile" in numerous live performances, translating the emotional energy of the recording to a live setting.
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Song CoverMultiple other artists have covered "Behind a Painted Smile," including the British rock band The Small Faces.
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Song StyleThe track is known for its unique mix of soul, R&B, and pop music elements, illustrating the eclectic style of The Isley Brothers.
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Physical CopiesThe song was initially available on vinyl format, but has since been reissued on digital platforms and CDs, ensuring its availability for modern audiences.
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Citation
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"Behind a Painted Smile Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7703916/The+Isley+Brothers/Behind+a+Painted+Smile>.
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