A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he was raised by his aunt, Gertrude Franklin. He developed a talent for music early, playing the piano at age four and becoming music director of his church at age eleven. After getting kicked out of school in his teenaged years, having a girlfriend become pregnant, and after a friend was shot to death he returned to the church. After leading the DFW Mass Choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention, he organized "The Family", a seventeen-voice choir, in 1992 and began his recording career.
He has integrated hip hop styles with gospel themes in albums such as The Nu Nation Project and God's Property, which achieved success on the Billboard Pop Album, R&B and gospel charts.
Franklin has collaborated with the biggest names in gospel music, including Tonex, Donnie McClurkin, Richard Smallwood, Crystal Lewis, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jaci Valesquez, and Willie Neal Johnson. He also has displayed a willingness to collaborate with artists in the secular realm, including Bono, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, and R Kelly in the hit single, "Lean on Me."
On October 4, 2005, his new long-awaited album Hero was released, with latest single Looking for You.
Franklin's songs are published by Zomba Music Publishing, a division of BMG Music Publishing.
I Smile
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Depression and unemployment
This song's for you
Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart
And it feels like a cold night
Today's a new day, where are my blue skies
Where is the love and the joy that you promised me
Tell me it's alright
(I'll be honest with you)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
Fell from heaven like a shower
(When I think how much better I'm gonna be when this is over)
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile
I know God is working so I smile
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile
It's so hard to look up when you been down
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile
Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine
Nothing but clouds and it's dark in my heart
And it feels like a cold night
Today's a new day, tell me where are my blue skies
Where is the love and the joy that you promised me
Tell me it's alright
(The truth is)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
Fell from heaven like a shower now
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile
I know God is working so I smile
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile
It's so hard to look up when you been down
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile
Smile for me
Can you just smile for me
Smile for me
Can you just smile for me
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
(And while you're waiting)
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
(And while you're praying)
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
(Look in the mirror)
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
(Always remember)
You look so much better when you smile, come on
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
Fell from heaven like a shower now
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile
I know God is working so I smile
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile
It's so hard to look up when you been down
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Smile
See I just want don't you to be happy
'Cause then you have to have something you haven't been
I want you to have joy 'cause can't nobody
Take that away from you
I see you smile
The song "I Smile" by Kirk Franklin is a song of encouragement that is dedicated to those who are going through hard times like the recession, depression, and unemployment. The song starts out by describing the darkness that surrounds the singer, but despite that, he still finds a reason to smile. He admits that he almost gave up, but a power that he cannot explain fell from heaven like a shower, giving him hope that things will get better. The song is a reminder that even though things may seem tough, we should keep a positive outlook and continue to smile because God is working.
The first verse of the song highlights the feelings of hopelessness that can arise during tough times. The singer is searching for the love and joy that was promised to him, but he cannot seem to find it. He wonders if things will ever be alright. However, in the chorus, he finds the strength to smile despite the pain he is feeling. He knows that God is working and things will get better.
The second verse reiterates the singer's struggles, but he still finds a reason to smile. He encourages others who may be struggling to do the same. He believes that smiling will help them feel better, even during hard times. The final bridge reminds us that joy is something that cannot be taken away from us. We should strive to find joy in our lives and continue to smile even when things get tough.
Overall, "I Smile" is a song of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that even during tough times, we should keep on smiling and trust that God is working behind the scenes.
Line by Line Meaning
I dedicate this song to recession
This song is a message of hope for those who are struggling during difficult financial times.
Depression and unemployment
This song is dedicated to those struggling with mental health issues and joblessness.
This song's for you
This song is meant to encourage and uplift those going through hard times.
Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine
Even though each day is a new opportunity, sometimes it feels like there is no hope or positivity to be found.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart
Feelings of sadness and hopelessness, sometimes referred to as a 'dark cloud,' can make it difficult to find joy and happiness.
And it feels like a cold night
The negative emotions can make one feel isolated and alone.
Today's a new day, where are my blue skies
Once again, despite the problems of yesterday, each new day is a fresh opportunity to find positivity and hope.
Where is the love and the joy that you promised me
At times, it can feel like life has not lived up to our expectations and promises made to us.
Tell me it's alright
In the midst of these struggles, the singer is asking for reassurance that everything will work out in the end.
(I'll be honest with you)
The singer is acknowledging that what they are about to say is genuine and heartfelt.
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
The singer is acknowledging a higher power that helped them through their struggles.
Fell from heaven like a shower
This higher power felt like it was raining down upon them from above.
(When I think how much better I'm gonna be when this is over)
The singer acknowledges that their struggles will one day come to an end and lead to a brighter future.
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile
Despite the pain and hardships they have gone through, the singer chooses to smile and find joy in the face of adversity.
I know God is working so I smile
The singer finds solace in the belief that God is working to bring good things into their life.
Even though I've been here for a while
The singer acknowledges that their struggles have been ongoing, but chooses to remain positive in the face of adversity.
It's so hard to look up when you been down
When one has been struggling for a long time, it can be difficult to find hope or positivity in their life.
Sure would hate to see you give up now
The singer is expressing encouragement and support to someone who might be struggling to find their way forward.
You look so much better when you smile, so smile
The singer encourages listeners to find joy and hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Smile for me
The singer personally asks their listeners to smile and find joy.
Can you just smile for me
The request to smile is repeated, emphasizing its importance.
Oh oh oh you look so much better when you
Finding joy and positivity makes a tangible difference in a person's life, reflected in how they appear to others.
(And while you're waiting)
The singer suggests that even in moments of waiting or uncertainty, one can find joy and hope.
(And while you're praying)
Even during times of prayer, one can find comfort and hope in the belief that a higher power is listening to their struggles.
(Look in the mirror)
The singer encourages listeners to look at themselves and find their own inner strength and positivity.
(Always remember)
Lastly, the singer reminds their listeners to hold onto hope and joy, even in the toughest of times.
See I just want don't you to be happy
The song is ultimately about wishing happiness and joy upon others, even in trying times.
'Cause then you have to have something you haven't been
The singer believes that by finding happiness, people can gain new experiences and benefits they have not yet known.
I want you to have joy 'cause can't nobody
The singer believes that joy is something that cannot be taken away or stolen from someone, and wishes it upon their listeners.
Take that away from you
The final line emphasizes the belief that no one can take your happiness and joy away from you, even in the midst of dire circumstances.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Missing Link Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kirk Franklin, James Harris Iii, Terry Lewis, Fred Tackett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Conika Yates
on Something About the Name Jesus
When i heard this song something just comes over me, i just cant explain it, but i has a wonderful feeling to it. i just love it. It's just something about the name Jesus....