Smile Like a Switch
Six Gallery Lyrics

In the opening line, "You smile on and off like a switch," the lyrics suggest that the subject of the song displays inconsistent emotions, switching from happiness to sadness or vice versa. This could be interpreted as an indication of emotional instability or a tendency to put on a facade of happiness when necessary. The contrast between the unpredictable smiles and the songwriter's desire to write "silly songs to get rich" further emphasizes the disconnect between superficial success and deep emotional struggles.

The next line, "but it's honest work when you've tried just as hard to stay sick," reveals a contrasting perspective. While the songwriter may strive for material gain through commercial success, they acknowledge that maintaining a state of emotional distress requires just as much effort. This suggests that the subject may be purposely indulging in their own pain or finding comfort in self-destructive behaviors. By juxtaposing the pursuit of riches with a deliberate maintenance of sickness, the lyrics ask the listener to question the true purpose and value of their own endeavors.

Moving forward, the lyrics advise the subject to "grow old and grow out your mistakes." This could be interpreted as a call to learn from past errors and mature in order to move forward. However, the following line, "Firm grasp or occasionally sane," implies that even with growth, the subject still struggles to maintain control or keep a balanced mindset. It suggests that sometimes their grasp on reality slips or their mental health deteriorates, leading to further challenges in finding peace and happiness.

The lyrics then express frustration, noting that "Nothing I do or say make peace with your face when it's fake." Here, the songwriter acknowledges their own powerlessness in influencing the subject's emotional state or their ability to mask their true feelings. This emphasizes the disconnection between the two individuals and suggests that the subject's facade, represented by their "fake" smile, prevents genuine connection or emotional reconciliation. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation, as the songwriter acknowledges the limitations in their capacity to provide comfort or understanding.

In the final line, "We act like we are on sinking ships," the lyrics offer a metaphorical portrayal of the relationship between the two individuals. This implies that both the songwriter and the subject are grappling with their own personal struggles, signifying a lack of stability or security. The sinking ships symbolize a sense of impending doom or the feeling that their lives are constantly on the verge of collapse. This line suggests that both individuals are complicit in maintaining a facade of stability while internally grappling with their individual challenges.

Overall, Six Gallery's "Smile Like a Switch" delves into themes of emotional instability, the quest for success, and the limitations one faces in providing solace or understanding to another. The lyrics explore the complexities of human emotions and the difficulties in finding genuine connection in a world where facades often prevail.