Make Me Smile
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And pulled the rebel to the floor
You spoilt the game, no matter what you say
For only metal, what a bore!
Blue eyes, blue eyes
How come you tell so many lies?
Or do what you want, running wild
There's nothing left, all gone and run away
Maybe you'll tarry for a while
It's just a test, a game for us to play
Win or lose, it's hard to smile
Resist, resist
It's from yourself, you have to hide, oh
Come up and see me to make me smile, oh
Or do what you want, running wild
There ain't no more, you've taken everything
From my belief in Mother Earth
Can you ignore my faith in everything
'Cause I know what faith is and what it's worth
Away, away
And don't say maybe you'll try
To come up and see me to make me smile
Or do what you want just running wild
Come up and see me, make me smile
Or do what you want, running wild
Come up and see me
The song "Make Me Smile" by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel is a quintessential rock ballad about a relationship that has gone sour. The singer speaks to their former partner who has betrayed them and broken all the rules of their once-strong bond. The song is a combination of the frustration and the pain that comes with such a betrayal. The lyrics highlight the anger and hurt of someone who was once enamoured but who has now been deeply hurt by the actions of their partner.
The first verse acknowledges the fact that the person to whom the song is directed has destroyed everything that they and their partner once had. The second verse talks about the blue eyes of the person and how they have been telling so many lies, which is the reason for their relationship falling apart. Despite all the hurt, the singer still desires the presence of their partner and wants them to make them smile as they used to. Alternatively, the singer suggests that their partner can do what they want and continue to run wild.
The bridge acknowledges that the relationship is done and there is nothing left for the singer. However, their partner can stay for the time being, and they can play a game of testing each other for fun. However, winning or losing would be difficult as the relationship has lost its magic. The final verse talks about how the partner has taken everything, including the singer's faith in the natural world, and destroyed it. However, the singer still depends on their own faith despite everything that has happened.
Line by Line Meaning
You've done it all, you've broken every code
You have accomplished everything and broken all the barriers to success.
And pulled the rebel to the floor
You have subdued a rebel and defeated their spirit.
You spoilt the game, no matter what you say
You ruined everything and can't blame anyone else for it.
For only metal, what a bore!
You are only interested in material things and everything else is boring.
Blue eyes, blue eyes
Addressing someone with blue eyes.
How come you tell so many lies?
Asking why the person with blue eyes tells so many lies.
Come up and see me, make me smile
Come visit me and bring joy to my life.
Or do what you want, running wild
Alternatively, do whatever you want and live life to the fullest.
There's nothing left, all gone and run away
Everything has been taken away and disappeared.
Maybe you'll tarry for a while
Perhaps you will stay for a short time.
It's just a test, a game for us to play
Life is merely a test or game for us to participate in.
Win or lose, it's hard to smile
Regardless of the outcome, it's tough to maintain a happy disposition.
Resist, resist
Fight against the urges and temptations.
It's from yourself, you have to hide, oh
The need to resist comes from within oneself.
There ain't no more, you've taken everything
There is nothing left, as everything has been taken.
From my belief in Mother Earth
Everything was taken from my belief in Mother Earth.
Can you ignore my faith in everything
Can you disregard my trust and belief in everything?
'Cause I know what faith is and what it's worth
Because I understand the value and significance of faith.
Away, away
Depart or leave.
And don't say maybe you'll try
Don't suggest that you might attempt to fix or resolve the situation.
To come up and see me to make me smile
Visit me to make me happy.
Or do what you want just running wild
Alternatively, live on your own terms and enjoy freedom.
Come up and see me, make me smile
Visit me and bring joy to me.
Or do what you want, running wild
Otherwise, live your life to the fullest on your own terms.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Steve Harley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bbathoorn
I just heard the sad news that Steve has passed away. For 49 years now, a smile appears on my face when I hear this beautiful song. It will always make me smile.
@drusuth5915
And me too.
@tonymccarty1334
Me too 😢
@brubeker12
My sons birth song
@phillipbonner9944
A sad day Rest in Peace Steve Harley 😢
@doraldeddy1836
Steve RIP. Having this played at my funeral! Just a great song from my younger years, and it makes me smile❤
@williamsanderson4743
RIP Steve Harley. This song brings back great memories.
@williamsanderson4743
@@GhostOfJohnLennon69 You're wrong on all counts. I bought this single when I was 16. I'm also a Lennon fan. But not a fan of people who hide behind his name anonymously!
@antoniosilvestro9045
Great performer. 😢 Sad news. RIP 🙏
@sitcorocket
Agree..great performer and instantly recognisable voice.rip you legend 😢