Smile

Jane Birkin's song 'Smile' is a clever and satirical commentary on the complexities and absurdities of modern life. The lyrics encourage listeners to smile despite the various challenges and ironies they face. Birkin uses humor and wit to highlight the futility of worrying about superficial concerns, such as physical appearance and societal expectations. The opening lines, 'Don't stare at your face / With your nose out of place / At the wrinkles where zits used to be,' suggest that obsessing over one's looks is pointless and that a smile is a simpler and more effective way to present oneself to the world.

The song also delves into darker themes, such as the dangers of relationships and societal roles. Lines like 'Don't mess with your man / When he's selling you grams / He would kill you for less and then smile' and 'Don't curse at a whore / As you open the door / 'Cos your service won't be with a smile' reveal the harsh realities and moral ambiguities that people navigate daily. Birkin's use of the word 'smile' in these contexts adds a layer of irony, suggesting that a smile can be both a mask and a weapon.

Birkin doesn't spare authority figures either, taking jabs at doctors, preachers, and gamblers. The lyrics 'Don't sneer at your doctor / Or gamble and proctor / 'Cos they're just dawns in the game' and 'Don't be scared of your preacher / 'Cos he's just a leach / He's too busy cruising your ass' criticize the hypocrisy and self-interest often found in these roles. The recurring refrain, 'Smile / And the whole world smiles with you,' serves as a reminder that despite the absurdities and injustices of life, maintaining a positive outlook can be a form of resistance and resilience.