When you smile
Paul King Lyrics


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There's a warmth within this building
as a house becomes a home
and I am rescued from the city
where so many walk alone

when you smile I know that this moment is right
I don't care how long it's there
how many days or nights
this house will still be here when we're long gone and clear
and that's the way it will be

When you smile... there's a stirring in my soul
when you smile... you turn what's wrong into right
the dark into light

When you smile you have a radiance
and a glow to sink my heart
so no moon or jewel or promise do match the part
although I cross the seas and oceans
to see what I must see
the memory stays forever of when you smiled at me

When you smile... there's a stirring in my soul
when you smile... you turn iron into gold
when you smile




an ounce of your love beats a pound of pain
your face is your fortune I'm willing to pay

Overall Meaning

Paul King's song "When You Smile" captures the feeling of finding a sense of belonging and comfort in a place, which is brought about by the warmth that arises from human connection. The lyrics express the idea that a person's smile can light up a room and provide solace to others amidst the chaos of everyday life. The song's melody and rhythm convey a sense of joy that reflects the theme of the lyrics. The message is simple and straightforward, but powerful enough to evoke emotions and positive vibes.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a warmth within this building
The atmosphere of the house is warm and welcoming.


as a house becomes a home
The house has become a home, where one finds comfort and security.


and I am rescued from the city
The house is a refuge from the loneliness and isolation of the city.


where so many walk alone
The city is a place where people are often disconnected from one another.


when you smile I know that this moment is right
The artist feels content and at peace when they see the person they love smile.


I don't care how long it's there
The singer is unconcerned with how long their happiness will last.


how many days or nights
The singer is not concerned with the passage of time as long as they have this happiness.


this house will still be here when we're long gone and clear
The feeling of love and happiness associated with this house will persist even after the artist and their loved one are no longer around.


and that's the way it will be
The artist accepts that their happiness is fleeting and will inevitably give way to other emotions.


When you smile... there's a stirring in my soul
The artist's emotions are deeply affected by the smile of the person they love.


you turn what's wrong into right
The person's smile has the ability to make everything feel alright.


the dark into light
The person's smile has the power to brighten even the darkest moments.


When you smile you have a radiance
The person's smile is radiant and beautiful.


and a glow to sink my heart
The person's smile has a profound impact on the singer's emotions, filling them with a sense of warmth and love.


so no moon or jewel or promise do match the part
The singer feels that nothing else in the world can compare to the person's smile and the way it makes them feel.


although I cross the seas and oceans
Despite the physical distance between them and the person they love, the artist's love remains strong.


to see what I must see
The artist is willing to go to great lengths to be with the person they love.


the memory stays forever of when you smiled at me
The singer will always cherish the memory of the person they love smiling at them.


you turn iron into gold
The person's smile has the power to transform even the most difficult situations into something beautiful and valuable.


an ounce of your love beats a pound of pain
The person's love is worth more than any amount of pain the artist might experience.


your face is your fortune I'm willing to pay
The artist values the person's smile and love above all else, and would do anything to keep it.




Contributed by Lily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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