Meaning of "Best Fake Smile" by James Bay

The lyrics of "Best Fake Smile" delve into the theme of inauthenticity and the pressure to conform in society. The protagonist of the song is portrayed as someone who is tired of wearing a false smile and pretending to be happy when, in reality, she is facing internal struggles. Through the line "She wants the sun in her eyes but all she gets is ignored," the song captures the feeling of yearning for genuine connection and recognition, but constantly being overlooked. This can be seen as a critique of a society that often values appearances over deeper emotional experiences.

As the song progresses, the woman's frustration continues to build. She reflects on the past when she used to "put it out and get it all back," indicating that she used to receive what she put out into the world. However, this is no longer the case, and she is now "sweating under the lights, now she's beginning to crack." This portrays the toll that pretending and maintaining a facade takes on a person's mental and emotional well-being.

The turning point in the song comes when the woman decides to take control of her own happiness and authenticity. She no longer cares what others think and walks away, symbolized by emptying the tip jars, leaving behind what she has lost. The act of blowing out the smoke outside the windows represents a release of the burdens she has been carrying. She doesn't need to look back to know where she's headed because she is finally letting go of the need for validation and embracing her true self.

Ultimately, "Best Fake Smile" encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and not succumb to the pressure of pretending to be something they're not. It serves as a reminder that genuine connections and friendships are more valuable than superficial relationships. It urges individuals to embrace their true emotions and reject the need to always put on a happy face.