When You're Smiling
Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics


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When you're smiling
When you're smiling
The whole world smiles with you
When you're laughing
When you're laughing
The sun comes shining through
But when you're crying
You bring on the rain
So stop your sighing be happy again
Keep on smiling




'Cause when you're smiling
The whole world smiles with you

Overall Meaning

These lyrics suggest that when someone is happy and smiling, they are able to spread that joy to those around them. The lyrics compare a person's mood to the weather, implying that when someone is happy, it can metaphorically bring sunshine into the world. However, when someone is sad and crying, it can bring on rain, representing the negativity that can be spread through sadness. The lyrics encourage the listener to stop being sad and to start being happy again, as their positive attitude can bring joy to others. Overall, the lyrics convey the idea that happiness and positivity are contagious and can influence those around us in a positive way.


Line by Line Meaning

When you're smiling
The mere act of smiling has the power to influence and affect others positively.


When you're laughing
Laughter has a contagious effect on others, and the positive energy associated with it is reflected in the world around us.


The whole world smiles with you
The positive energy associated with smiling and laughter extends far beyond the individual, and has the ability to create a ripple effect, spreading happiness throughout the world.


The sun comes shining through
The expression of joy and happiness can have a transformative effect on one's surrounding environment, and can even break through the clouds on a rainy day, symbolizing the triumph of positivity over negativity.


You bring on the rain
The negativity associated with crying and sadness can influence one's environment to become bleak and despairing, symbolized by the image of rain.


Stop your sighing, be happy again
Rather than dwelling on sadness and negativity, it is important to actively choose joy, and take action to restore happiness in your life.


Keep on smiling
The act of smiling should be habitual, as it has the power to influence both personal and collective well-being.


The whole world smiles with you
Once again, the beautiful ripple effect of positivity is highlighted, depicting the power of an individual to impact the world around them in a positive way.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOE GOODWIN, LARRY SHAY, MARK FISHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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