The band's first, self-titled album was released in 1988, and it met with a great fan response as well as gave the band two hit singles in the United States: "When I See You Smile" and "Price of Love". Positive reviews followed by massive tours built up immense expectations about the songwriting talent of the band in their future endeavors. However, on their second album, entitled 'Backlash', the one and only single failed to enter the U.S. Top 40, peaking instead at only number 42. Critical views were also mixed on the release.
Soon after the band recorded their second album 'Backlash', in 1991, the group disbanded. Members went their separate ways even before the album could be mixed. In a later interview, frontman John Waite said that, while he enjoyed playing to stadium-sized audiences again, he wasn't happy with the somewhat 'corporate rock' image that the Bad English had been tagged as having. He has since had a solo career focused more on mellower singer-songwriter music.
When I See You Smile
Bad English Lyrics
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How I'd ever make it through,
Through this world without having you
I just wouldn't have a clue
'Cause sometimes it seems
Like this world's closing in on me,
And there's no way of breaking free
And then I see you reach for me
Sometimes I want to give up
I want to give in, I want to quit the fight
And then I see you, baby
And everything's alright, everything's alright
When I see you smile
I can face the world,
Oh oh, you know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light,
Oh oh, I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me
Baby there's nothing
In this world that could ever do
What a touch of your hand can do
It's like nothing that I ever knew
And when the rain is falling
I don't feel it, 'cause you're here with me now
And one look at you baby
Is all I'll ever need, you're all I'll ever need
When I see you smile
I can face the world,
Oh oh, you know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light,
Oh oh, I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me
Sometimes I want to give up
I want to give in, I want to quit the fight
And then I see you baby
And everything's alright, everything's alright
So right
When I see you smile
I can face the world,
Oh oh, you know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light,
Oh oh, I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me
When I see you smile
I can face the world,
Oh oh, you know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light,
Oh oh, I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me
The lyrics to Bad English's "When I See You Smile" describe the immensity of how love affects one's perspective of the world. The first verse discusses how the singer couldn't imagine living in this world without his partner, indicating how much they rely on each other. The second verse relates to how the struggles of life can seem overwhelming, however, the love they share provides hope, happiness, and a feeling of complete wholeness. The chorus asserts the strength of the relationship, and how seeing the loved one smile can uplift the entire world and present hope.
The third verse states that the love they share cannot be matched by anything the world has to offer. In fact, the touch of their partner's hand outshines any treasure, fame or success. The following section suggests the idea that no matter how bad the storm or life can get, they feel protected, safe, and loved because of the presence of their partner. The song concludes with the assertion that their love is the ultimate strength, the ultimate shelter, and the ultimate happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I wonder
Occasionally, I think about how my life would be without you
How I'd ever make it through,
How I would survive the struggles and challenges of life
Through this world without having you
Living in this world without your presence and support
I just wouldn't have a clue
I would lack the knowledge, understanding, and direction to navigate through life
'Cause sometimes it seems
Because at times, it feels like
Like this world's closing in on me,
As if the world is getting smaller and shrinking around me
And there's no way of breaking free
And there is no escape, release, or liberation from it
And then I see you reach for me
But when you extend your hand towards me, everything changes and becomes better
Sometimes I want to give up
At times, I feel like surrendering or quitting
I want to give in, I want to quit the fight
I am tempted to concede, yield, or abandon the battle
And then I see you, baby
Yet, the moment I look at you, my love
And everything's alright, everything's alright
Everything falls into place, and every trouble disappears
When I see you smile
Whenever I see the expression of happiness on your face
I can face the world,
I can confront all the difficulties and obstacles in life
Oh oh, you know I can do anything
I feel empowered and capable of achieving anything with your encouragement
I see a ray of light,
I perceive a beam of hope and optimism
Oh oh, I see it shining right through the rain
I can envision it illuminating even in the darkest and gloomiest moments
Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me
Your smile towards me is enough to make my day and give me the strength to continue
Baby, there's nothing
My love, nothing in this world
In this world that could ever do
Can ever compare or provide
What a touch of your hand can do
What your loving and caring touch can accomplish
It's like nothing that I ever knew
It surpasses anything I have ever experienced before
And when the rain is falling
Even during the troubling and distressing times
I don't feel it, 'cause you're here with me now
I don't sense it, because your presence and support makes everything bearable
And one look at you baby
A single glance at you my love
Is all I'll ever need, you're all I'll ever need
Is enough to fulfill all my desires and necessities, you suffice for my entire being
So right
Perfect and true
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Diane Eve Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind