スマイリーを探して (Smiley wo Sawashite)

The song 'スマイリーを探して (Smiley wo Sawashite)' by Serani Poji is a whimsical and somewhat melancholic narrative about the search for a friend named Smiley. The lyrics describe the preparation for a journey, with the protagonist having made a white hot air balloon and adorned it with favorite red stickers, along with helmets and parachutes. The preparations are easy, but the crucial element missing is the friend, Smiley, who is nowhere to be found. The protagonist has looked everywhere, from digging the ground to waiting at the post and even asking passersby, but to no avail.

The chorus repeatedly asks, 'Where is my friend Smiley?' indicating a deep longing for this companion. The protagonist has even named this friend Smiley, suggesting a desire for a cheerful and positive presence on the journey. The mention of launching popcorn into the sky and laughing together paints a picture of the simple joys the protagonist wishes to share with Smiley. The song conveys a sense of solitude and the weight of loneliness, as the protagonist admits that without Smiley, they feel too heavy-hearted to take off on their adventure.

The song's whimsical tone is underscored by a sense of sadness and the universal human need for companionship. The protagonist's yearning for Smiley, a friend they have never met, reflects the hope that everyone holds for finding someone who understands and shares their dreams. The hot air balloon, ready to be inflated, symbolizes the readiness to embark on life's journey, but the protagonist is grounded by the absence of a kindred spirit to share the experience with.