When You Smile
The Flaming Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Flower gun
Now you're on the run
Flower head
Now all your friends are dead
And their ghosts
Floating around your bed
Hear it said
Now all your friends are dead
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Shooting stars (shooting stars)
Crashing in your car (crashing in your car)
What went wrong (singing songs)
Now all your friends are gone (all your friends are gone)
And they scream (and they scream)
Scream from beyond (screaming from beyond)
Hear their song (hear their song)
Now all your friends are gone
Will you return?
Will you return?
Will you return?
Will you return?
Will you return?
Will you return?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
Will you return
When you come down?
(Screaming from beyond)
(Screaming from beyond)
(Screaming from beyond)
(Screaming from beyond)
"When You Smile" by The Flaming Lips is a hauntingly beautiful song that explores loss and the struggle to overcome it. The lyrics are repetitive, with the same question repeated over and over again: "Will you return when you come down?" This could be interpreted as a plea to a loved one who has passed away or as an expression of uncertainty in the face of grief, questioning whether the singer will be able to find solace and peace in the future.
The verses describe the aftermath of a tragic event. The line "flower gun, now you're on the run" suggests that someone has lost control and acted violently. The next line, "flower head, now all your friends are dead," implies that the singer's loved ones have been killed as a result of this act. The use of "flower" could be a reference to the fleeting nature of life, as flowers are beautiful but short-lived. The ghosts of the deceased are said to be "floating around your bed," haunting the singer and reminding them of the tragedy that has occurred.
The chorus repeats the same question over and over again, creating a sense of uncertainty and anxiety. The following lines, "shooting stars crashing in your car, what went wrong singing songs, now all your friends are gone," suggest that the tragedy was sudden and unexpected, with the victims taken too soon. The final lines, "and they scream, screaming from beyond, hear their song now all your friends are gone," indicate that the singer can still hear the voices of the deceased, but they are unable to help them or comfort them any longer.
Overall, "When You Smile" is a powerful exploration of grief and loss. The repetition of the lyrics creates a sense of helplessness and despair, while the haunting melody and evocative imagery make it a memorable and emotionally resonant song.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you return
When you come down?
The singer is asking if someone will come back to them when they sober up from a high.
Flower gun
Now you're on the run
The singer describes someone who has used drugs as running from reality.
Flower head
Now all your friends are dead
And their ghosts
Floating around your bed
Hear it said
Now all your friends are dead
The singer alludes to the dangers of drug use and the way it can isolate someone from their loved ones who may have passed away.
Shooting stars (shooting stars)
Crashing in your car (crashing in your car)
What went wrong (singing songs)
Now all your friends are gone (all your friends are gone)
And they scream (and they scream)
Scream from beyond (screaming from beyond)
Hear their song (hear their song)
Now all your friends are gone
The artist laments the loss of friends due to a lifestyle that may have included drug use and describes the haunting feeling of hearing their screams and songs even after they have died.
(Screaming from beyond)
(Screaming from beyond)
(Screaming from beyond)
(Screaming from beyond)
The song ends with a repetition of the phrase 'screaming from beyond', further emphasizing the haunting feeling of lost friends and the consequences of drug use.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Steven Gregory Drozd, Wayne Michael Coyne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Koshirozation
It's like I never had to see it in your eyes or feel it
I could tell when you smile
It's like I didn't need to say anything or do much
I could tell when you smile
All of the subatomic pieces come together
And unfold themselves in a second
Every single molecule is right
When all of the subatomic pieces come together
And unfold themselves in a second
@joshkoster7107
This song is so beautiful and reminds of me so many amazing moments in my life with people that are long gone and still around wherever they may be. Hope y'all are gooT.π
@Tripthewavefantastic
Iβve played this song to so many people over the years, I hope you all are still smiling and always will
@lostdog281
Such an innovative and interesting approach to describing what it feels like to fall in love--just a great song, and Ronald Jones' sonic contributions to the arrangement cannot be overstated. . .
@cbus
Ronald can never be overstated. He added so much to the band. And, as sad as it was with him leaving, he made them become who they were meant to be by leaving.
@fletchergull4825
What an absolute masterpiece
@Dethmobile
One of my favorite love songs from the Flaming Lips. Be My Head, Ashes in the Air and What is the Light are right up there, too. Cheers!
@predeterminedmeat5024
Everytime i listen to this song all of the subatomic pieces come together and unfold themselves in a second :) .
@prozacpeople
An epic album, wonderfull song, perfect band! I miss this old Flaming Lips style of so much guitar noise!
@mr.b7586
My favorite Lips album
@ashlimidey4035
The noise from the old days was awesomeness!