Smooth

Jack Stauber's 'Smooth' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, resilience, and the passage of time. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of autumn skies, flying above the world, and the warmth of shared moments. The imagery of 'gold ran the autumn sky' and 'arms out on the freezing Sun' evokes a sense of freedom and youthful exuberance. The recurring motif of dancing leaves forming walls suggests a transient yet beautiful barrier between the past and the present, encapsulating the fleeting nature of these cherished memories.

The song delves into the emotional complexities of goodbyes and the bittersweet nature of farewells. Lines like 'Goodbyes and see you soons, most every afternoon' highlight the cyclical nature of parting and reuniting, making the lonely nights a bit easier to bear. The lyrics 'It takes a lot to watch a person break' reflect the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one's struggles, emphasizing the theme of resilience and the strength required to support one another through difficult times.

The chorus, with its repetition of 'Those lakes of ours drying up, even though we kept trying,' symbolizes the inevitable changes and losses that come with time. The 'smooth hands' that the narrator has been 'stripped of' represent the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of growing up. Despite these challenges, the song maintains a sense of hope and continuity, as seen in the lines 'Planted seeds throughout the weeds' and 'And when it reached the sky, it was a mile high.' These metaphors suggest that even amidst adversity, growth and new beginnings are possible. The final reassurance that 'there’s ground below' serves as a grounding reminder of stability and the enduring nature of life's journey.