The lyrics of "Smiley" by The Smashing Pumpkins talk about a character named Smiley who is being questioned about his whereabouts and is warned about dreaming his life away. The song also references a man who struggled to succeed and how his friends were not supportive unless he suffered.

Meaning of "Smiley" by The Smashing Pumpkins

The lyrics of "Smiley" delve into themes of perseverance, struggle, and external pressures. The character of Smiley represents someone who may be avoiding facing reality by dreaming his life away. The mentioning of a man who couldn't make it despite his efforts and the lack of genuine support from his friends paint a picture of the harsh realities of life and the internal and external battles people face to achieve their dreams. The repetition of "Smiley" in the song conveys a sense of longing for happiness or contentment in a world filled with obstacles and challenges. Overall, the song seems to explore the complexities of pursuing one's desires while dealing with setbacks and external influences that may hinder personal growth and success.