Take Care Of That Smile

Song Meaning

The lyrics for "Take Care Of That Smile" are an insistent, almost obsessive directive to maintain a perfect grin. The speaker repeatedly emphasizes the importance of this "happening place" on the face. It's a command that feels less like encouragement and more like a crucial, daily task. This seemingly simple instruction quickly reveals a deeper tension. The smile isn't just an expression; it's a performance, a "wonderful glow" that "shows me that you are feeling alright." The lyrics suggest a pressure to project wellness, implying that the smile's primary function is to reassure an observer, rather than to genuinely reflect inner joy. The craft truly shines in the bridge, where the smile becomes a demanding chore. The listener is told to "wear it morning, noon and night," transforming it into a constant, almost burdensome garment. Verbs like "scrub it" and "rinse it" further strip the smile of its natural spontaneity, portraying it as a meticulously maintained object, kept "pearly white" through diligent effort. Ultimately, the lyrics expose the societal expectation to always appear cheerful and composed. By elevating "each tooth is a star" and linking a bright smile to how "fine you really are," the song subtly critiques the way we conflate outward appearance with intrinsic worth. It's a sharp commentary on the labor involved in maintaining a public facade of happiness.