[Intro: (Anonymous Man) and K'naan] (What's up, world, beautiful people, boys and girls? We 'bout to take you on a journey. My man, why don't you introduce yo'self to the people?) "Salaam" means peace, peace is good. This is K'naan, the Dusty Foot Philosopher. Yo, join me on my journey: this is music - my music - and interpretations of other musics that I enjoy and love. And um, this is called "My Life is a Movie," this whole record. But this song, the first one, is called "Smile." You know, an integral part of our community...we smile while we bleedin', you know. Check it out
I was The misdirected I was The least expected Hop on And get rejected Walk on And feel neglected I feel Like I'm the message Unheard But I'm the message I'm the last prolific remaining author from the gutter
[Hook] (Smile) When you're struggllin' (Smile) When you're in jail (Smile) When you dead broke (Smile) And the rent's due (Smile) You ain't got friends now (Smile) And no one knows you Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
(Smile) When he leaves you (Smile) Cause girl, he needs you (Smile) Plenty single mothers cry the tears you do (Smile) Despite the war (Smile) Despite the pain, yo Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
[Hook] (Smile) When you're struggllin' (Smile) When you're in jail (Smile) When you dead broke (Smile) And the rent's due (Smile) You ain't got friends now (Smile) And no one knows you Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
(Smile) When he leaves you (Smile) Cause girl, he needs you (Smile) Plenty single mothers cry the tears you do (Smile) Despite the war (Smile) Despite the pain, yo Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
[Hook X2] (Smile) When you're struggllin' (Smile) When you're in jail (Smile) When you dead broke (Smile) And the rent's due (Smile) You ain't got friends now (Smile) And no one knows you Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
(Smile) When he leaves you (Smile) Cause girl, he needs you (Smile) Plenty single mothers cry the tears you do (Smile) Despite the war (Smile) Despite the pain, yo Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
(Smile) When you're struggllin' (Smile) When you're in jail (Smile) When you dead broke (Smile) And the rent's due (Smile) You ain't got friends now (Smile) And no one knows you Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
(Smile) When he leaves you (Smile) Cause girl, he needs you (Smile) Plenty single mothers cry the tears you do (Smile) Despite the war (Smile) Despite the pain, yo Never let 'em see you down, smile while you bleedin'
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Genius Annotation1 contributor
This song has a good message like the title. K'naan produced it himself on his first album : The Dusty Foot Philosopher.
Although “Whosampled.com” doesn’t have it. Its clear K'naan sampled Tupac’s “Thug Mansion”.
His flow is ridiculous and the story he tells is worth a replay.
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