Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a couple facing economic hardship, with the narrator trying to reassure his "sweet bride." The opening refrain, "Smile, love, it will change," immediately sets a tone of hopeful defiance against looming difficulties. The mundane reality of grocery shopping, where "the lira has changed and a million won't be enough anymore," grounds the song in a specific, relatable struggle. This contrast between the everyday anxieties and the repeated promise of change creates a palpable tension. The central conflict lies in the narrator's attempt to shield his partner from the harsh realities by focusing on a shared future, even if it's an idealized one. He contrasts the "disaster in the world" seen on television with the promise that "on Sunday, everything is forgotten." This suggests a desire to escape the present troubles, projecting them onto a dream of a "better life" elsewhere. The repeated mention of "South Africa" as a destination, coupled with the idea of "no luxuries, no waste, no expenses for making love," hints at a yearning for simplicity and a fresh start, perhaps even a place where their love can flourish without financial strain. The most striking element is the recurring, almost mantra-like repetition of "Smile, love, it will change" and "it will pass." This refrain acts as an anchor, a constant reassurance in the face of uncertainty. The shift in the second verse, from "we'll go home" to "a new home" and "we'll change city," signifies a more concrete plan for escape, moving beyond mere hope to a determined action. The lyrics suggest that the dream of South Africa isn't just about a physical location, but a state of being – a place where "every day is Sunday" and they can "laugh again."