The Tamlins were a reggae and dub vocal group in 1970's Jamaica. Composed o… Read Full Bio ↴The Tamlins were a reggae and dub vocal group in 1970's Jamaica. Composed of Carlton Smith, Junior Moore, and Derrick Lara, The Tamlins are among the most recognized backup singers in reggae especially for their years of international touring in support of Peter Tosh. They have backed John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Pat Kelly, and Marcia Griffiths, among others, as well as recording on their own. Having released one unsuccessful LP in 1976, they came to prominence in the late 1970s by releasing 12" singles in Jamaica for Channel One Studios, usually covering earlier rocksteady hits such as "Hard to Confess". They gained wider attention for their notable Sly and Robbie-produced version of the Randy Newman song, "Baltimore" (1979). The arrangement on that single was notably similar to that used on Nina Simone's cover of the song, released less than a year earlier. They also cut "Go Away Dream" for the same producers, while vocalist Lara enjoyed some solo success in the early 1980s. Lara's ethereally high lead vocals bring to mind the best of '70s Philly soul music, a style they have often covered.

Smiling Faces Sometimes
The Tamlins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend.
Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within.

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
The truth is in the eye 'cause the eyes don't lie, amen.
Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend.
So, hear me when I'm saying

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
Beware. Beware of the handshake that hides the snake,
I'm tellin' you beware of the pat on the back it just might hold you back.
Jealousy, (Jealousy) misery, (misery) envy.
I tell you you can't see behind

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
Your enemy won't do you no harm, 'cause you'll know where he's comin' from;
don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya.
Take my advice I'm only tryin' to school ya.

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.

Overall Meaning

The Tamlins's song "Smiling Faces Sometimes" describes the deceitful nature of people who appear friendly and happy on the surface, but hide ulterior motives and negative intentions. The lyrics caution listeners to be wary of these "smiling faces", warning that they may not always tell the truth and there could be "evil that lurks within". The song emphasizes the importance of keeping an eye on people's actions rather than simply trusting their outward appearance, as "the eye don't lie".

The lyrics go further to describe specific gestures that may seem innocent, but could actually be insincere or even harmful. The handshake, for example, is described as a potential cover for a "snake" waiting to strike. Similarly, the pat on the back may seem like a gesture of encouragement, but could actually be holding someone back. The lyrics also touch on the destructive force of jealousy, misery and envy, and warns against trusting blindly or falling victim to those who hide their true intentions behind a smile.

Overall, the song serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and cautious when dealing with people, and not to be fooled by appearances or superficial gestures.

Line by Line Meaning

Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend.
People who wear a smile on their face could be deceiving you into believing that they are your well-wisher.

Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within.
A person might carry malevolent intentions despite having a friendly demeanor.

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
It is not rare to find people lying behind their smiles.

Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
The artist has evidence of instances where people have used their smiles to cover up lies.

The truth is in the eye 'cause the eyes don't lie, amen.
One can gauge the honesty of a person from their eyes, which are believed to remain truthful.

Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend.
A smile is just an external expression of happiness, which might mask inner turmoil.

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
The singer reiterates that smiling faces do not always convey truth.

Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof.
The artist reaffirms their claim of being in possession of evidence of smiles used to hide lies.

Beware. Beware of the handshake that hides the snake,
The artist advises people to beware of friendly gestures, such as handshakes, that might be hiding sinister motives.

I'm tellin' you beware of the pat on the back it just might hold you back.
The artist warns of appreciation or encouragement that could eventually harm rather than help you.

Jealousy, (Jealousy) misery, (misery) envy.
Negative emotions like jealousy, misery, and envy could lead people to hide their true intentions behind a smile.

I tell you you can't see behind
It is difficult to perceive the real motives behind a smiling face.

Smiling faces, Smiling Faces, Sometimes they don't tell the truth.
The singer concludes the song by reiterating the fact that not all smiling faces are truthful.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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