Album: The Things That Got Us Here (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The message behind this upbeat anthem is count your blessings and choose to be joyful even in the difficult times.

    Smile, when you think you can't
    Smile, get up and dance
    Smile, there's a bigger plan
    The storm only lasts for a while


    Lead singer David Frey explained: "In the tough times, we can either wither away in fear and doubt, or we can go confidently into each new challenge knowing that when we hold on to Christ and his promises, there is always a reason to smile."
  • During the band's career, The Sidewalk Prophets have been through a mix of both awesome and terrifying experiences. However, they have learned that whatever the situation is, they can still know the joy of the Lord.

    There's always a reason
    To always choose joy
    There's something deeper
    That the world can't destroy


    Frey explained to New Release Today: "Sometimes, we muddle joy and happiness together. But, the truth is happiness is in our control. Whereas joy never is. Joy only comes from the Lord. And, I think that "Smile" is all about realizing that. God's joy is always there for us on our best day, on our worst day, and every day in between. There's a reason to reach out and hold on to the joy of God. And, when you do, even on a rough day, it makes you smile."
  • For the song's music video, Frey pulled random people off the street to play ping pong. He explained: "We did the band portion of the video earlier in the morning. Then, from 10 all the way until 6 in the evening, I randomly asked people if they wanted to play ping-pong. Construction workers and people randomly passing by. It was great."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."