Meaning of "Smile" by Jane Birkin

The lyrics of "Smile" by Jane Birkin seem to convey a sense of resilience in the face of various struggles and hardships. The song appears to urge the listener to maintain a positive attitude, symbolized by smiling, even when faced with adversity or unfair situations. The mentions of physical imperfections, strained relationships, corrupt authority figures, and false prophets in the lyrics allude to a world that is flawed and often unjust. Despite these circumstances, the repeated insistence to smile suggests a deliberate choice to find joy and optimism amidst life's challenges. This could be interpreted as a call to not let external circumstances dictate one's inner peace and happiness. The references to religious figures and scriptures underscore the idea of finding solace and guidance in one's faith, even when confronted with hypocrisy or betrayal. Overall, the lyrics of "Smile" encourage a hopeful outlook and a determination to rise above negativity and injustice through maintaining a positive mindset.