Glad and Sorry
Faces Lyrics


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Thank you kindly
For thinking of me
If I'm not smiling
I'm just thinking

Glad and sorry
Happy or sad
When all is done and spoken
You're up or I'm down

Can you show me a dream
Can you show me one that's better than mine
Can you stand it in the cold light of day
Neither can I

Can you show me a dream
Can you show me one that's better than mine




Can you stand it in the cold light of day
Neither can I

Overall Meaning

In "Glad and Sorry," Faces singer Ronnie Lane ponders life's ups and downs, success and failure. The song begins with a gracious thank-you, as Lane appreciates the thoughtfulness of someone who has shown him kindness. However, he admits that even when things seem tough and he's not outwardly smiling, he is simply deep in thought. Lane then creates a dichotomy between gladness and sorrow and the possibility of being happy or sad. He suggests that everything is predetermined, leaving us either up or down, depending on the outcome.


The second half of the song presents a series of questions, starting with whether someone can demonstrate or show Lane a "dream" that's better than his. This line could be interpreted in a few different ways, but it seems to refer to an idyllic future that Lane isn't sure is possible, especially when viewed in the light of reality. The next line repeats the same question, but adds the caveat that they must be able to "stand it in the cold light of day," acknowledging the fragility of hope and dreams in the face of hard truths. Lane then ultimately responds that he can't do either, suggesting the futility of wishes and longings when confronted with the harsh realities of life.


Overall, "Glad and Sorry" is a thoughtful and introspective song that contemplates the duality of human experience and the ways that our hopes and dreams can lead us astray.


Line by Line Meaning

Thank you kindly
I appreciate you


For thinking of me
Noticing me is kind of you


If I'm not smiling
I may not be happy at the moment


I'm just thinking
I can be in deep thought


Glad and sorry
My mood fluctuates between happy and sad


Happy or sad
My emotions can be either positive or negative


When all is done and spoken
Everything that needed to be said and done has been completed


You're up or I'm down
Either I'm doing well while you're struggling, or vice versa


Can you show me a dream
Can you reveal a better reality than what I'm currently experiencing


Can you show me one that's better than mine
Can you offer a superior vision to what I have imagined for myself


Can you stand it in the cold light of day
Can you endure seeing it realistically and objectively


Neither can I
I cannot handle seeing it realistically and objectively either




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RONNIE LANE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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