Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Lou Reed
Canonical path: /lou-reed/smiles
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Smiles
Read Smiles lyrics by Lou Reed on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
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Lyrics
Smiles
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Smiles, I was taught never to smile
I was told the stylish smiles of buffoonery
chicanery and larceny abound
My mom said unless someone sticks you right in front of a camera
A smile is the last thing that you wanna do
Those smiles, those mirthless toothy smiles
Smiles, they all smile on TV
The quizmaster with his withered crones
the talkshow hosting movie stars
the politician licking feet
The mugger, the rapist, the arsonic lover
All smile out from the news, at one time or another
Those smiles, those garish sickly smiles
When I was young my mother said to me:
"Never, ever, let anyone see that you're happy"
Smiles, never, ever let them see you smile
they'll always put you down
With those smiles, never, ever let them see you smile
they'll always put you down
With your smiles, never, ever let them see you smile
don't you know they'll make you go
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo ...
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Who performs "Smiles"?
Lou Reed performs "Smiles", and this lyric page sits inside the Lou Reed catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Smiles"?
Yes. The related section below points to Berlin and City Lights with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Lou Reed?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Lou Reed's lyric pages.
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