Make Me Smile

Steve Harley's song "Make Me Smile" is a poignant exploration of disillusionment and the yearning for genuine connection. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has experienced betrayal and disappointment, symbolized by the lines, "You've done it all, you've broken every code and pulled the rebel to the floor." This suggests a sense of having been let down by someone who once seemed rebellious and exciting but ultimately proved to be deceitful. The repeated question, "Blue eyes, blue eyes, how come you tell so many lies?" underscores the theme of betrayal and the pain of realizing that someone you trusted was not truthful.

The chorus, "Come up and see me, make me smile, or do what you want, run on wild," serves as a bittersweet plea for a return to happier times or, at the very least, a moment of genuine joy. It reflects a longing for the simplicity and happiness that once existed, even if only temporarily. The juxtaposition of asking someone to make them smile while also giving them the freedom to do as they please highlights the internal conflict between wanting to hold on and letting go.

The song also delves into themes of existential crisis and loss of faith. Lines like "There ain't no more, you've taken everything from my belief in Mother Earth" and "How can you ignore my faith in everything" reveal a deep sense of loss and disillusionment with the world. The protagonist feels stripped of their beliefs and left questioning the value of faith itself. This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the repeated calls to "resist" and the acknowledgment that hiding from oneself is a futile endeavor. Ultimately, "Make Me Smile" is a powerful reflection on the complexities of human relationships, the pain of betrayal, and the struggle to find meaning and joy in the aftermath of disillusionment.