Free In The Knowledge

The Smile's song 'Free In The Knowledge' delves into the themes of change, resilience, and the human struggle against fear and control. The opening lines, 'Free in the knowledge that one day this will end,' set a contemplative tone, suggesting an acceptance of life's impermanence. This acceptance is not portrayed as a source of despair but rather as a liberating realization that everything is in a constant state of flux. The acknowledgment that 'everything is change' encourages listeners to embrace the transient nature of life and find freedom in this understanding.

The lyrics also reflect on moments of vulnerability and confusion, described as 'just a bad moment' where 'we were fumbling around.' Despite these challenging times, there is a sense of determination and resilience, as the repeated line 'we won’t get caught like that' signifies a commitment to learning from past mistakes and not succumbing to the same pitfalls. The imagery of 'soldiers on our backs' evokes a sense of external pressures and struggles, yet the resolve to not be ensnared again highlights a collective strength and perseverance.

A significant part of the song addresses the use of fear as a tool for control, with the line 'A face using fear to try to keep control.' This could be interpreted as a critique of societal or political forces that manipulate fear to maintain power. However, the song offers a hopeful perspective, suggesting that unity and collective action ('when we get together') can challenge and overcome these controlling forces. The dialogue with the 'face in the mirror' symbolizes an internal struggle and the journey towards self-awareness and authenticity. The realization that 'we’re in this together' underscores the importance of solidarity and mutual support in facing life's challenges.