She was born in Marlin, Texas, and raised in Dallas. Her flute training included classical and jazz styles in high school. She continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist, and inspired her to pursue a musical career in New York City. She followed his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theatre on Amateur Night. She eventually began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.
By 1972, she was recording for the Blue Note Jazz label, one of the first female instrumentalists to do so. Humphrey has played with well-known musicians, ranging from Duke Ellington to Lee Morgan. Guitarist George Benson and Humphrey were guest musicians on Humphrey's friend Stevie Wonder's single "Another Star" from his Songs in the Key of Life (1976) album. In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard. In 1994 Humphrey launched her label, Paradise Sounds Records, releasing Passion Flute, which continues to be one of her best-selling recordings.
Bobbi Humphrey has played at the Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Russian River Jazz Festival (Northern California), and other venues around the world.
Smiling Faces Sometimes
Bobbi Humphrey Lyrics
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Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within.
Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
The truth is in the eye 'cause the eyes don't lie, amen.
Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend.
So, hear me when I'm saying
Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
Beware. Beware of the handshake that hides the snake,
I'm tellin' you beware of the pat on the back it just might hold you back.
Jealousy, (Jealousy) misery, (misery) envy.
I tell you you can't see behind
Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
Your enemy won't do you no harm, 'cause you'll know where he's comin' from;
don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya.
Take my advice I'm only tryin' to school ya.
Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
The lyrics of Bobbi Humphrey's song Smiling Faces Sometimes is about how people can pretend to be your friend with a smile on their face, but in reality, they hide their true intentions and character. The song's opening lines "Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend, Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within" suggests that people are not always what they appear to be on the surface. The lyrics imply that smiling faces can be deceiving, and they sometimes hide the truth. The song seems to be a cautionary tale that warns listeners to be careful about trusting people who display artificial and insincere kindness.
The lyrics in the song make use of a lot of figurative language to support its message. For example, the line "Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down, my friend" is a metaphor that suggests that what appears to be a smile may, in fact, be something else. The song's use of repetition in lines like "Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes they don't tell the truth" emphasizes the warning message in the song.
Overall, Bobbi Humphrey's song Smiling Faces Sometimes is a song that warns against fake people and advises listeners to always be on their guard. The song's catchy melody and meaningful lyrics make it a classic song that remains relevant even today.
Line by Line Meaning
Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend.
A friendly looking face can still hide malicious intent.
Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within.
People can hide their true nature behind a pleasant smile.
Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
A smile can often mask deceitful intentions, and not all smiles are genuine.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
The artist has personally experienced people using friendly smiles to deceive.
The truth is in the eye 'cause the eyes don't lie, amen.
One can often determine if someone is lying by looking into their eyes.
Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend.
A smile is an easily manipulated facial expression that doesn't always reflect one's true emotions.
So, hear me when I'm saying
Pay attention to my message.
Beware. Beware of the handshake that hides the snake,
Be cautious of friendly gestures that could conceal harmful intentions.
I'm tellin' you beware of the pat on the back it just might hold you back.
Don't trust flattery; it could actually hinder your progress or success.
Jealousy, (Jealousy) misery, (misery) envy.
Negative emotions like jealousy and envy can be the cause of people's deceitful behaviors.
I tell you you can't see behind
The singer is emphasizing that people's true intentions can be difficult to discern.
Your enemy won't do you no harm, 'cause you'll know where he's comin' from;
It's better to know who one's enemies are than to be deceived by friendly faces with malicious intent.
don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya.
Don't be deceived by friendly gestures; it's important to remain cautious.
Take my advice I'm only tryin' to school ya.
The singer is offering their advice to the listener in hopes of benefiting them.
Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
This chorus repeats the message of the song: friendly faces can mask deceitful intentions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind