Best Fake Smile
James Bay
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No, you don't have to wear your best fake smile Don't have to stand there and burn inside, oh oh oh If you don't like it She's working late and making eyes at the door She's sick of everybody up on her floor She wants the sun in her eyes but all she gets is ignored She used to put it out and get it all back But now she's slipping, trying to carry the act She's sweating under the lights, now she's beginning to crack, whoa No, you don't have to wear your best fake smile Don't have to stand there and burn inside, oh oh oh If you don't like it And you don't have to care, so don't pretend Nobody needs a best fake friend, oh oh oh Don't hide it No hesitation now, she gets up and walks She thinks of all the pain and pride that it cost She empties all the tip jars, it won't get back what she lost Outside the window with two fingers to show She lifts her head up just to blow out the smoke She doesn't have to look back to know where she's got to go No, you don't have to wear your best fake smile Don't have to stand there and burn inside, oh oh oh If you don't like it And you don't have to care, so don't pretend Nobody needs a best fake friend, oh oh oh Don't hide it If you don't bleed it You don't need it anymore If you don't need it Get up and leave it on the floor No more believing Like it's a voice you can't ignore If you don't need it You don't need it, no And you don't have to wear your best fake smile Don't have to stand there and burn inside, oh oh oh No, if you don't like it And you don't have to care, so don't pretend Nobody needs a best fake friend, oh oh oh Don't hide it No you don't have to wear your best fake smile Don't have to stand there and burn inside, oh oh oh If you don't like it Oh oh oh, no, if you don't like it
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Written by: Iain Denis Archer, James Michael Bay
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Genres Classification"Best Fake Smile" is classified as Indie Pop, Pop Rock, and Soul Music.
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Release DateThe song was released on February 29, 2016, from James Bay's debut album "Chaos and the Calm" which was launched in 2015.
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Chart Performance"Best Fake Smile" did remarkably well on the charts. It peaked at number 41 on the UK Singles Chart.
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Song ThemeThe song is about refusing to pretend to be happy when you’re not. It encourages listeners to be true to themselves and their feelings.
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AwardsWhile "Best Fake Smile" itself did not win any awards, it was part of James Bay's album "Chaos and the Calm" which earned him several nominations and recognitions, including three Grammy nominations in 2016.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Best Fake Smile" was directed by Emil Nava and was released on March 14, 2016. It features Bay in an urban setting, interacting with various characters who refuse to fake their happiness.
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Song ReviewsThe song received positive reviews for its raw and heartfelt lyrics, distinct guitar riffs, and Bay's raspy, soulful voice.
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Song ParticipationJames Bay co-wrote the song with critically-acclaimed producer and songwriter, Joel Pott, who was the former lead vocalist and guitarist for British alternative rock band, Athlete.
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Live Performances"Best Fake Smile" was performed by Bay in several high-profile TV music and talk shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
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Album SuccessThe album "Chaos and the Calm" which features "Best Fake Smile" went on to become a double-platinum selling record in the UK, especially because of popular songs like "Hold Back The River," "Let It Go," and "Best Fake Smile."
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InspirationAccording to several interviews, Bay found inspiration for the song from people he met in the music industry who often put up a façade to seem happy or more likable.
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ReceptionDespite being a commercial hit, “Best Fake Smile” was also critically acclaimed, with many music critics complimenting Bay’s raw and powerful vocal delivery in the song.
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Pop Culture ReferencesIn 2017, "Best Fake Smile" was used in an episode of the American television drama series, "The Vampire Diaries."
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MusicianshipBay's ability to mix various genres like indie pop, rock, and soul in "Best Fake Smile" was praised, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
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Citation
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"Best Fake Smile Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32066518/James+Bay/Best+Fake+Smile>.
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