Uncertain Smile
The The Lyrics


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Peeling the skin back from my eyes I felt surprised
That the time on the clock was the time I usually retired
To the place where I cleared my head of you
But just for today I think I lie here and dream of you

I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in
But if the sweat pours out, just shout
I'll try to swim and pull you out

A howling wind that blows the litter as the rain flows
As street lamps pour orange colored shapes, through your windows
A broken soul stares from a pair of watering eyes
Uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile

I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in




But if the sweat pours out, just shout
I'll try to swim and pull you out

Overall Meaning

The The's song Uncertain Smile takes listeners on a journey through a haunting and emotionally charged experience of an individual while peeling his skin back from his eyes. We can sense melancholy and a sense of longing with the lines "To the place where I cleared my head of you, but just for today, I think I lie here and dream of you." It's clear that the singer's mind is consumed with thoughts and memories of someone who is no longer with him.


The second verse of the song describes the pain and discomfort of the character, symbolized by the litter blowing around in the howling wind and the rain flowing. However, despite feeling broken and uncertain, a hint of hope and perseverance shines through the song. The lines "I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in, but if the sweat pours out, just shout. I'll try to swim and pull you out" indicate that the singer is willing to fight and protect his love, even if it means enduring physical and emotional pain.


The uncertainty and melancholy in the lyrics are accompanied by an unforgettable blend of rock and roll, blues, and soul, making it a classic hit of the 1980s. The song's creator, Matt Johnson, described it in an interview as "a song about sex, love, and frustration." But beyond the obvious, there's a lot more to this iconic song.


Line by Line Meaning

Peeling the skin back from my eyes I felt surprised
As I opened my eyes, I was struck by the realization that the time on the clock was later than I expected.


That the time on the clock was the time I usually retired
The time displayed on the clock was the same time that I usually went to sleep.


To the place where I cleared my head of you
I would usually go to a place to forget about you and clear my head.


But just for today I think I lie here and dream of you
Despite my usual routine, today I am lying here and allowing myself to dream about you.


I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in But if the sweat pours out, just shout I'll try to swim and pull you out
You are deep within me, and nothing can change that. But if my emotions become overwhelming, please let me know so I can try to cope with them.


A howling wind that blows the litter as the rain flows As street lamps pour orange colored shapes, through your windows A broken soul stares from a pair of watering eyes Uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile
The storm outside is reflecting the turmoil within me. I look out the window with tears in my eyes, feeling broken and uncertain, yet trying to put on a brave face.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATT JOHNSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@derekbaker3279

A bit of history behind "Uncertain Smile", which to me represents almost seven minutes of pure bliss that is over far too soon & easily ranks as one of my favourite songs EVER, not just within the context of the 80s. ☺

Here's what I recall reading about the song's solo: Apparently, when Jools Holland arrived at the studio, he didn't have a solo mapped out. Matt Johnson had told him very little about the song on purpose, to guarantee spontaneity from the jazz pianist.

[ Speaking of jazz.. take note of how the type of the piano chosen & the recording methods used combined to make the solo sound a bit like it had been recorded in a jazz café. It's not quite as distant, muted, and percussive as the signature Rudy Van Gelder piano sound one hears on many of the famous Blue Note jazz recordings from the 1950s, 60s & 70s, but neither is it the bright Yamaha CP-70 piano sound that is foreever associated with the 80s - heck, even Elton John & Biily Joel switched to the CP-70. lol. So, in addition to the notes chosen, Jools Holland's contribution to "Uncertain Smile" just sounds like a jazz solo. 😎]

Anyway...so, on the day the piano solo was recorded, Jools Holland arrived, absorbed the groove & overall 'vibe' of the song, called upon his artistic instincts, and improvised through a bunch of takes. When Holland was finished, he wasn't thrilled with the results, which he felt were not complete or good enough. However, Johnson liked most of what he had heard, so Johnson spent the next few days cutting & splicing the reel-to-reel tape, choosing the best sections from all the takes & experimenting with different orders for the sections until Johnson was happy with the flow & pace of the entire solo. (BTW, this technique has also been used on some famous guitar solos from the 1960s & 70s)

Consequently, what we hear in this masterpiece composition is the huge talent, impressive 'chops' & creative interpretive skills of Jools Holland, but also Jools Holland's creative juices expertly distilled by Matt Johnson into a heady mixture of potent alt-rock & jazz.....and, yes, one of the great piano solos in the history of rock music. 😎



@erithecure2123

Peeling the skin back from my eyes I felt surprised
That the time on the clock was the time I usually retired
To the place where I cleared my head of you
But just for today I think I lie here and dream of you
I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in
But if the sweat pours out, just shout
I'll try to swim and pull you out
A howling wind that blows the litter as the rain flows
As street lamps pour orange colored shapes, through your windows
A broken soul stares from a pair of watering eyes
Uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile
I've got you under my skin where the rain can't get in
But if the sweat pours out, just shout
I'll try to swim and pull you out



All comments from YouTube:

@LOL-cringe

Friends: what bands you listen these days.
Me: the The
Friends:The......
Me: yes the the
Friends: you are high again aren't you?

@SuzanneO707

👌👍

@TalorcMcAllan

i just say proper music

@tonyswinburne7466

Yesterday (04/07/2020), my best friend died, he was 54. In 1984 he introduced me to this album - this track is my favourite of all time. Thank you John for your suggestion ... I will always think of you when I hear it.

@russmcmillan1928

Tony Swinburne First, sorry about your friend John. I am also 54 Tony. I listened The The all the time. It’s obviously apparent he was pretty cool in music and friends. Music is my doctor and will never let me forget the times I have shared with my friends. Keep your vibes alive. Russ

@simonpeach1705

Tony, I just found out about the umpteenth friend suicide.
Turned to this song straight away.
Much love and be strong.

@crazimuthaz

I just started "Really Living" at 54...sorry your friend couldn't make it. Cheers

@crazimuthaz

And , No One showed me this album...in 1984. My best friend died at 21 from a Cocaine O.D. after a Frat Party at UCLA. While , at the exact same moment in MIAMI.....My suicide wrist was healing and I was dealing in rehab with a crack issue i developed while being drug smuggler. I didn't have TIME for THE THE , I was living The THE. Duh....lol

@RobertSz62

I my thin in english but I"m with You. Regards to You. Robert_1962

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@ianknowles5354

RIP and respect to all your friends who you listened to this song with from the 80s, who haven't made it to 2024. Be a bit sad, but mainly be happy remembering the great times.

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