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Smile
Lily Allen
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- Album
- Alright, Still (Bonus Track Version)
- Released
- 2006
- Genres
- Length
- 3:17
- Tempo
- 96 BPM
- Label
- Parlophone UK
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About this song
"Smile" was Lily Allen's debut single, released from her debut album Alright, Still, and it reached number one in the UK singles chart, staying there for two weeks. The track is built on a sample from the Soul Brothers' 1960s track "Free Soul". The music video was directed by Sophie Muller and drew controversy, with Lily's ex-partner DJ Lester Lloyd cast as the protagonist, though Lily has never confirmed the link and Lloyd says he never cheated on her.
What it's about
The song is told from a woman's point of view, moving from heartbreak over a cheating ex-boyfriend to anger, bitterness and a desire for revenge. By the end she takes pleasure in seeing him alone and desperate, as she once felt.
Fun facts
- Samples “Free Soul by The Soul Brothers”.
- Sampled in 2 other songs, like “Smile by Aftershock Hooligans”.
- Covered 3 times, including “Smile by Georgina Hill-Brown”.
- Written by Jackie Mittoo, Coxsone Dodd, Iyiola Babalola, Darren Lewis and Lily Allen.
- Produced by Future Cut.