Meaning of "Sarah Smiles" by Panic! At The Disco

"Sarah Smiles" tells the story of a person who becomes enamored with a woman named Sarah. The narrator acknowledges that Sarah has the power to captivate him with her physical appearance and charm, referring to her "velvet lips" and eyes that "pull me in." However, he also recognizes that she has deceived him multiple times before, using her eyes and lies to manipulate him. Despite this, he remains infatuated and hopeful that Sarah will eventually save him, referring to her as his destiny.

The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desperation, as the narrator ponders whether Sarah is aware of the impact she has on him. He expresses hope that she might change her ways and commit to their relationship, as indicated by the line, "Waking up to a kiss and you're on your way, I'd really hoped that you would stay." However, Sarah ultimately leaves, leaving the narrator to continue with his life, acknowledging that he has "things to do besides sit-around-and-wait-for-you."

The chorus repeats the idea that Sarah appears unbothered and detached from the narrator's emotions, as she "smiles like Sarah doesn't care" and lives in her own world, oblivious to his feelings. Despite the pain and confusion caused by their relationship, the narrator still believes that his destiny lies with Sarah, and he continues to hope for her salvation.

Overall, the song explores themes of infatuation, manipulation, and the complexity of romantic relationships. It delves into the vulnerability and longing that can come with being infatuated with someone who may not reciprocate those feelings fully. Despite the manipulative and deceitful behavior portrayed in the lyrics, the narrator's emotions remain strong, reflecting the complexities of love and the power that certain individuals can hold over us.