Make Joy Smile
Stephen Covell Lyrics


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Of the hundreds of ways
I thought I could say
Thank you for existing
You just what I've been missing
I chose to give you this

It's a little bit of nothing
But it's really more like something
Unique I think
This is all the love I can give

Since the expressive is repressive
I'll stick to the suggestive or easily digested
If you want to know what I mean

When I say my tongue tied it's probably a lie
I go on for days or months if I tried
But what more would that mean

Oh you're my family
Oh please understand me
When I find it hard to stand
Oh you're my family
All I'm asking is for one more chance

This is the reinvention
Of a common thought perception
Not completely new hold
On to traces of the old

You've been ever so forgiving
When I'm learning just by living
Mistakes
Yeah I've made a few

In this ever growing book
I've been scribbling through
Maybe if I slow it down some
I'll Stumble onto
The point I've been trying to make

A life as confused and well used as this room
Underneath this dirty laundry
And fading perfume
This one's for me

Oh you're my family Oh please forgive me
If this is all I have to give
Oh you're my family
All I ask is you let me live

In this ever growing book
I've been scribbling through
Maybe if I slow it down some
I'll stumble onto
The point I've been trying to make

A life as confused and well used as this room
Underneath this dirty laundry
And fading perfume





This ones for me

Overall Meaning

The song "Make Joy Smile" by Stephen Covell is a powerful and heartfelt tribute to someone the singer deeply cares for. The lyrics express gratitude and love, speaking to the idea that the person in question fills a void in the singer's life. The lyrics describe how, out of all the possible ways to express thanks, the singer chose to give the recipient "a little bit of nothing," something that is both unique and meaningful. The singer acknowledges the limitations of language, suggesting that words are not always enough to express complex emotions. In this case, the singer must rely on more subtle and suggestive modes of expression, hoping that the listener can understand the depth and sincerity of the message being conveyed.


Throughout the song, the singer speaks of the recipient as "family," a term that suggests a deep and enduring connection that goes beyond mere friendship or acquaintance. The lyrics express a sense of vulnerability on the part of the singer, who admits to making mistakes and struggling to find meaning in life. However, there is also a sense of resilience and determination, as the singer speaks of "scribbling through" an ever-growing book in search of some greater truth. Ultimately, the song is a celebration of the power of human connection and the immense impact that one person can have on another's life.


Overall, "Make Joy Smile" is a beautifully written and deeply moving song that explores themes of love, gratitude, and the complexities of human emotion. The lyrics are thoughtful and introspective, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. The song is a testament to the power of music to convey complex emotions and connect people across miles and years.


Line by Line Meaning

Of the hundreds of ways
I considered many ways


I thought I could say
To express my gratitude


Thank you for existing
For being in my life


You just what I've been missing
You complete me


I chose to give you this
This is my gift to you


It's a little bit of nothing
Not a grand gesture


But it's really more like something
For me, it means the world


Unique I think
One of a kind


This is all the love I can give
My love for you is boundless


Since the expressive is repressive
Words cannot fully express


I'll stick to the suggestive or easily digested
I'll imply the meaning instead


If you want to know what I mean
You have to read between the lines


When I say my tongue tied it's probably a lie
I can talk about you endlessly


I go on for days or months if I tried
I can never run out of good things to say about you


But what more would that mean
It still wouldn't be enough


Oh you're my family
You mean everything to me


Oh please understand me
Please see things from my perspective


When I find it hard to stand
When life gets tough


All I'm asking is for one more chance
To make things right


This is the reinvention
A new perspective


Of a common thought perception
A fresh way of seeing things


Not completely new hold
Not entirely unfamiliar


On to traces of the old
Or keeping some things the same


You've been ever so forgiving
You've always been understanding


When I'm learning just by living
Through the ups and downs of life


Mistakes
I've made a few


In this ever growing book
My life's journey


I've been scribbling through
I continue to write my story


Maybe if I slow it down some
Maybe I need to take it slower


I'll Stumble onto
I'll eventually find


The point I've been trying to make
The real reason for everything


Oh you're my family
My support system


Oh please forgive me
If I've done wrong


If this is all I have to give
This little bit of love


All I ask is you let me live
Let me continue to love


This ones for me
A reflection on my life




Contributed by Adam B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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