People On Balconies

The Smile's 'People On Balconies' is a contemplative exploration of human connection, freedom, and the longing for a more open and authentic existence. The song opens with a declaration of boundless potential, 'I can go anywhere that I want,' suggesting a yearning for freedom and self-discovery. However, this freedom is not easily attained; it requires a profound transformation, 'turn my soul upside down and back to front,' indicating the need for introspection and change.

The imagery of 'cut out shapes and worn out faces' and adding 'sparkle to create the rotten thing' speaks to the superficiality and decay in modern life. Despite the smiles and appearances, there is an underlying sense of disappointment and disillusionment. The line 'buried from the waist down' evokes a feeling of being stuck or immobilized, unable to fully engage with life. The repeated advice to 'stop looking over your shoulder' suggests a need to let go of past regrets and anxieties to move forward.

The balconies in the song symbolize a fragile connection to the outside world. They are 'flimsy' and prone to 'take a tumble,' reflecting the precariousness of our social interactions. Yet, these balconies also offer a glimpse of hope, as friends 'step out to talk and wave and catch a piece of Sun.' This duality captures the tension between isolation and the desire for genuine connection. The dream of an 'altered state' where 'windows and doors open wide' and 'telephone lines are never busy' represents an ideal world of openness and constant communication, free from the constraints of modern life.

The recurring question, 'All of that money, where did it go?' underscores a critique of materialism and the emptiness it brings. The 'loose change' symbolizes the fleeting and insignificant nature of wealth in the face of deeper human needs for connection and meaning. 'People On Balconies' ultimately calls for a reevaluation of our priorities, urging us to seek genuine connections and a more open, authentic way of living.