Although much of DiFranco's material is autobiographical, it is often also strongly political. Many of her songs are concerned with contemporary social issues such as racism, sexism, sexual abuse, homophobia, reproductive rights, poverty, and war. DiFranco's guitar playing is often characterized by a signature staccato style, rapid finger picking and many alternate tunings. She delivers many of her lines in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation. Her lyrics, which often include alliteration, metaphor, word play and a more-or-less gentle irony, have also received praise for their sophistication. She has released 19 solo albums (not including collaborative albums or live albums), all of which were released on her own independent record label, Righteous Babe Records (which she formed in 1989 at the age of 19).
DiFranco has been a critical success for much of her career, though not a commercial one by major label standards, with a career album average of 72 on Metacritic. Living in Clip, DiFranco's 1998 double live album, is the only one to achieve gold record status to date. DiFranco has been praised by the Buffalo News as the "Buffalo's leading lady of rock music".
Smiling Underneath
Ani DiFranco Lyrics
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No, no
I don't mind if the bills pile up and the work is slow
I don't mind the gas or the groceries or the drive
Gone inside with you I'm having a good time
I don't mind the stoner waiter or the poorly cooked food
I don't mind little miss kitty or her knucklehead dude
Long as I'm with you I got a good attitude
Long as I'm with you
We could be stuck in traffic for over a week
With a car full of quintuplets who are all cutting teeth
And around my neck could be a flaming Christmas wreath
And I'd be smiling under
Smiling underneath
I don't mind waking up early for a flight that's delayed
I don't mind our weeks vacation was chilly and gray
I don't mind the traffic cops or the TSA
Long as I'm with you I'm having a good day
Long as I'm with you
I don't mind spilling my hot sauce on my white shirt
I don't mind that twinge when I walk in that knee that I hurt
I don't mind my gums peeling back or my hair getting thin
Long as I'm with you, I win
Long as I'm with you
We could be stuck in traffic for over a week
With a car full of Quintuplets who are all cutting teeth
And around my neck could be a flaming Christmas wreath
And I'd be smiling under
Smiling under
Smiling underneath
"Smiling Underneath" by Ani DiFranco is a song about the power of love to make everything else insignificant. The singer expresses that they do not mind waiting in line or dealing with life's inconveniences as long as they are with their loved one. They list various scenarios where things could be unpleasant, such as being stuck in traffic for a week with crying quintuplets or wearing a flaming Christmas wreath, but they would still be smiling underneath because of the joy of being with their partner.
The main message of the song seems to be that love makes everything better. The singer is willing to put up with anything if it means being with their significant other. Whether it's bad service at a restaurant, a delayed flight, or even physical problems like knee pain or thinning hair, the love they share gives them a positive outlook. The repetition of the phrase "long as I'm with you" reinforces this theme and emphasizes the importance of the relationship.
The song also highlights the power of perspective. The singer sees the world through rose-colored glasses because of their love. Even if everyone around them is unpleasant, they choose to focus on the good and be happy. This attitude is further reinforced by the music, which is upbeat and cheerful, with a catchy melody that encourages listeners to sing along.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't mind waiting in line
I'm willing to wait patiently, without complaint.
I don't mind if the bills pile up and the work is slow
I'm not bothered by financial pressure or a slow work pace.
I don't mind the gas or the groceries or the drive
I don't mind the expenses and hassle of everyday life.
Gone inside with you I'm having a good time
I find joy in being with you, even in mundane situations.
I don't mind the stoner waiter or the poorly cooked food
I don't let other people's mistakes affect my mood.
I don't mind little miss kitty or her knucklehead dude
I'm not bothered by annoying people around me.
I don't mind if every last person here is ugly and rude
Other people's appearance or behavior doesn't affect my happiness.
Long as I'm with you I got a good attitude
I have a positive outlook as long as I'm with you.
We could be stuck in traffic for over a week
I'm prepared for the worst-case scenario, even if it's unbearable.
With a car full of quintuplets who are all cutting teeth
Even if the situation seems impossible, I can handle it.
And around my neck could be a flaming Christmas wreath
Even if I'm going through a hard time, I can still be happy.
And I'd be smiling under
I'm keeping a positive outlook despite the challenges.
I don't mind waking up early for a flight that's delayed
I'm not upset by delays or inconvenience.
I don't mind our weeks vacation was chilly and gray
I don't need perfect conditions to enjoy my time.
I don't mind the traffic cops or the TSA
I'm not bothered by rules or authority figures.
Long as I'm with you I'm having a good day
Being with you is enough to make my day good.
I don't mind spilling my hot sauce on my white shirt
I'm okay with making mistakes or looking foolish.
I don't mind that twinge when I walk in that knee that I hurt
I'm not bothered by physical pain or limitations.
I don't mind my gums peeling back or my hair getting thin
I'm okay with the natural aging process.
Long as I'm with you, I win
Being with you makes me feel like a winner.
Smiling under
Smiling under
Smiling underneath
I'm smiling beneath the surface, despite what's happening externally.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ANI DIFRANCO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind