It’s amazing that one smile can do so much. When the people whom we love smile at us, it makes us feel good. When we feel down but are still able to smile, it gives us hope that soon everything will be okay.
Smiling is how we communicate to the world our pleasure and joy. It requires no words, and the language is universal.
It is no wonder there are so many songs about it. If you are searching for a track that will bring a smile to your face, you’re in luck. Below is a list of 15 of the best songs about smiling. Enjoy reading!
1. “Smile” By Nat King Cole
There’s no better way to start this list of songs with “smile” in the title than with a classic. Nat King Cole is an extremely famous artist well known for his smooth tunes and emotional lyrics. One of his most famous songs, “Smile,” is one of encouragement and silver linings.
He expresses through his words the necessity of choosing joy amidst life’s sorrows. Good things are ahead, and we can restore our hope by choosing to smile rather than sulk.
Many artists have covered this song, including Lea Michelle from Glee, but Nat King Cole’s version remains the most popular. This song was recorded in 1954 and reflected the gentle cadences of the era.
2. “Smile” By Lily Allen
English singer-songwriter Lily Allen released her hit “Smile” in 2006. Although this track finds its roots in last love, it’s truly a story about a person who found joy on the other side.
Unmet expectations can leave a bitter taste in your mouth when paired with betrayal. But with some love and encouragement, a simple smile is all it takes to start healing the damage.
“Smile” helped propel Allen to popularity, and it quickly topped the charts. With an upbeat, rebellious tone, anyone who has experienced heartbreak can add this song to their favorite rebound playlist.
3. “Smile” By Uncle Kracker
One of the best reasons to smile is newfound love, and no one puts it more plainly than Uncle Kracker. The hit song “Smile” was released in 2009 and quickly captured the hearts of millions.
This sappy tune is all about how the mirror thought of your sweetheart can bring a smile to your face. New love is a whirlwind of emotions and excitement, so you might as well enjoy the ride.
Uncle Kracker, Matthew Shafer in real life, usually produces mellow country rock. While this song is a bit more lovey-dovey than his regular work, it falls in line with his music and has fans smitten.
4. “Smile” By Avril Lavigne
This explicit, edgy track was by Pop Punk Queen, Avril Lavigne. In her typical style, she makes her fondness plain in “Smile.” She declares that her new love interest is the reason why she can’t stop smiling.
This song with “smile” in the lyrics is definitely of the hard punk rock genre and carries an aggressive but exciting punch. There is no room for doubt in the song’s straightforward lyrics. The singer wants her love interest to know about the joy he brings to her, and now she has a new reason to smile.
This song was released on her fourth album in 2011 and is still very popular among fans. People who enjoy her other works won’t be dissatisfied with this number.
5. “Absolutely (Story Of A Girl)” By Nine Days
Young lovers everywhere can definitely relate to Nine Days‘ “Absolutely (Story of a Girl).” This upbeat punk-rock tune is slightly angsty in nature, but who doesn’t dream of being noticed by someone in spite of their flaws?
This is a love song about a girl who finds every reason to frown. But despite her many misgivings and outlook in life, she enchants a boy with her smile.
The track came out in 2000, reportedly written by the guitarist for his wife. This song is similar in sound to most of the band’s music, so fans will be pleased.
6. “I Smile” By Kirk Franklin
If you’re into a song about shining positivity on even the most challenging events of our lives, listen to Kirk Franklin‘s “I Smile.” Despite poverty, mental health struggles, and fear of the future, Franklin emboldens listeners to look on the bright side.
This track is a beautiful blend of hip-hop and gospel, injecting the perfect note of realism into a hopeful message. The tune is catchy and upbeat and falls in line with the rest of his music.
This song was released in 2011 and was a huge hit among fans of the genre and beyond. The track is from his 12th album, Hello Fear.
7. “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” By Charles Strouse And Martin Charnin
The hit musical number “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin was originally featured in Annie. Since then, many artists have covered it, including the cast of “Glee” and Sia. This song holds a special place in the hearts of millions for a lot of reasons.
This song is about overcoming the obsession with material things. It reminds listeners that no matter who you are or what you wear, your look is incomplete without a smile.
The 1982 version of the movie featured the song sung by all of the orphans. Considering their dire circumstances, it’s no wonder so many people found this song meaningful.
8. “Smile” By McFly
Staying happy may not be all that easy. But “Smile” by the popular punk-rock band McFly is a reminder that a simple smile is a great place to begin.
What the song says is that, even if everything else in your life seems to go awry, if you can smile, you can likely turn things around. Its upbeat attitude is laced with just an edge of rebellion, daring dreary listeners to choose positivity in the face of hardship.
Making its debut in 2008, this song was released about five years after McFly formed the band. However, “Smile” still makes its rounds among fans today.
9. “Just To See You Smile” By Tim McGraw
The bittersweet ballad “Just to See You Smile” by Tim McGraw is all about a man’s love for a woman. It runs so deep that he’d do just about anything to make her smile, even if it means letting her go.
The song is a reminder that the smile of the person you love can become the most precious thing in the world. While the song is upbeat and catchy, the lyrics will catch you off-guard with their emotion and truth.
Tim McGraw is an undeniably popular country star, so it’s no surprise this song was a hit. As far as country songs go, this one is flawless both in execution and storyline.
10. “Crooked Smile” By J. Cole
There are a lot of songs that mention “smile” and carry beautiful messages. J. Cole‘s “Crooked Smile” is one of them. It’s about recognizing your worth even when the rest of the world insists on pointing out your flaws. It might even be your flaws that get you where you need to be.
Although this song has a restrained beat and melody, the lyrics and message convey a strong theme: our flaws do not define us. A line in the lyrics says, “I can tell you ain’t laughed in a while, but I wanna see that crooked smile.”
With such a powerful statement, it’s no wonder that this track is such a hit. And what’s good is that you can always come back to this song for inspiration.
11. “When I See You Smile” By Bad English
Seeing that beautiful smile of a loved one just hits differently. The hard rock supergroup Bad English knows it all too well in “When I See You Smile.”
Released in 1989 from their self-titled album, the song uses smiling as a metaphor for hope, comfort, and love. The lyrics depict the transformative power of seeing a loved one smile. The narrator shares how it makes him feel that he “can face the world” and “do anything.”
Essentially, this love song centers around the theme of how someone’s smile can be a source of joy and inspiration. It captures the feeling of finding solace in a loved one’s happiness.
12. “Unbreakable Smile” By Tori Kelly
Up next is an ode to one’s resilience and self-assuredness in the face of criticism. Tori Kelly released “Unbreakable Smile” in 2015 from the album of the same name.
In the song, the unbreakable smile symbolizes the narrator’s determination to remain authentic. It’s about not allowing negative comments to change who she is inside.
The song suggests that a smile can be a powerful expression of inner strength and self-confidence. It’s not just about outward happiness, but also about inner resilience.
13. “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” By Craig Wayne Boyd
The 2014 song “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face” by Craig Wayne Boyd captures the simple joy and beauty found in seeing a loved one’s smile. It’s about how a loved one’s smile can uplift, inspire, and bring joy.
In the lyrics, the narrator believes he “must be doing something right” when he sees the smile on his beloved’s face. It suggests that her smile has a profound effect on him, making everything seem brighter and more beautiful.
In addition, the lyrics depict that smiling is a sign of happiness and contentment. The narrator’s partner is smiling as a way to communicate love, admiration, and happiness.
14. “I See Your Smile” By Gloria Estefan
Now we move on to Gloria Estefan‘s “I See Your Smile,” released in 1993. The song celebrates the power of a loved one’s smile. Here, smiling is a metaphor to symbolize joy, hope, and light in one’s life.
The song suggests that a loved one’s smile can be a beacon of hope during dark times. The simple act of smiling can bring immense happiness and positivity. In addition, the song suggests that a smile is something unforgettable, with the narrator memorizing her partner’s face.
While she is entranced by his smile, she also hopes for reciprocity. In essence, “I See Your Smile” conveys the message of how a smile can inspire love, hope, and happiness.
15. “Your Smiling Face” By James Taylor
Last but not least is James Taylor‘s “Your Smiling Face” from his album JT. This light-hearted song is about how a loved one’s smile can bring joy and warmth.
A smile, according to the song, can be a powerful expression of love and affection. The narrator talks about how seeing her smile makes him smile as well, underscoring the power of such a simple act. In other words, smiling is contagious.
In addition, the song emphasizes how a smile can be a symbol of love. The narrator expresses his love each time he sees her smiling face.
Summing Up Our List Of Smiling Songs
Clearly, smiling is an influential act. It’s so simple to do but the effect it has is simply amazing. It can spread joy, heal broken hearts, and even rebel against oppression.
Also, smiling is contagious, making it easy to spread love. It’s a universal act that people easily understand. It’s no wonder many artists pay homage to this sacred act, and so many fans relate to it.
If you love to smile and share that joy with the world, spend some time with these magnificent songs. Each one is sure to put a smile on your face.
