Smile

Banks Arcade's song 'Smile' delves into the darker aspects of hedonism and the consequences of living a life driven by bad decisions and fleeting pleasures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, seeking solace in bad company and poor choices. The opening lines, 'Want to take some bad advice / I've got plenty left to sell,' suggest a willingness to embrace harmful influences, highlighting a sense of recklessness and disregard for the consequences.

The song's chorus, 'No one wants to die / But we want to see the sunlight / Keep that smile cause it won't get better / We're all too good at having fun,' captures the paradox of seeking happiness through destructive means. The desire to 'see the sunlight' symbolizes a longing for genuine joy and fulfillment, yet the repeated assertion that 'it won't get better' underscores a sense of hopelessness. The phrase 'we're all too good at having fun' suggests that the pursuit of pleasure has become a coping mechanism, masking deeper issues and emotional pain.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of numbness and disconnection. Lines like 'I don't feel alive / I'm afraid to see the sunrise' and 'Hell is just a part of your forever / We're all too good at getting numb' reflect a profound sense of existential dread and a fear of facing reality. The imagery of 'the dark side' and 'pieces of my soul need to go die' further emphasize the internal struggle and the toll that this lifestyle takes on one's mental and emotional well-being. Ultimately, 'Smile' serves as a poignant commentary on the dangers of escapism and the hollow nature of superficial pleasures.