Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth uh Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof
The truth is in the eyes Cause the eyes don't lie, amen
Remember a smile is just A frown turned upside down
My friend let me tell you Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth, uh Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof Beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake I'm telling you beware
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 Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth Smiling faces, smiling faces Tell lies and I got proof (Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes) (Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes)
I'm telling you beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake
Listen to me now, beware
Beware of that pat on the back
It just might hold you back 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 coming from
Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya
Take my advice I'm only try' to school ya
The Undisputed Truth 1971 version
"Smiling Faces Sometimes" is a soul song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for the Motown label. The song was originally recorded by The Temptations in 1971. Producer Norman Whitfield had the song re-recorded by The Undisputed Truth the same year, resulting in a number-three Billboard Top 100 position for the group. "Smiling Faces" was the only top 40 single released by the Undisputed Truth, and was included on their debut album The Undisputed Truth.
Both versions of "Smiling Faces Sometimes" deal with the same subject matter, "back-stabbing" friends who do their friends wrong behind their backs ("Smiling faces sometimes...they don't tell the truth...smiling faces sometimes tell lies")
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Comments: 94
Spring and yellow shine*:
This song reminds me of something my mother used to tell me (and dammit all I've just had a reminder shoved under my nose recently)..."People don't tell you how they really feel. They put a smile on their face and tell you what they think you want to hear. How they really feel, they show you in their eyes and with their actions."
When a smile is genuine it reaches right up into the eyes. Always a good indicator. Too bad we can't really 'see' online, eh?
So true. So true.
Now ain't that the truth? Of course I have an uncanny way of reading between the lines...and of course other times I am so naive and am taken for a fool by hypocrites. I absolutely abhor hypocrisy and hypocrites ~ don't you??
"If it ain't fun, I ain't playin'."
Rather than a smile, I'm sending you a big, heartfelt hug.
And smiles don't get much more genuine than Sia's...right through the eyes and out a photograph. Always makes me smile.
Hey Esther, maybe we should adopt Julie's philosophy? "If it ain't fun, I ain't play."
Good teeth DNA doesn't make good people !!!
It comes with being so free and trusting that people will harm you sometimes without realizing it. I am always open and as a result, it sometimes comes as such a shock to find out that someone who I cherished, loved or trusted has gone behind my back and stabbed me. It is very painful and worse to me than if someone were to actually slap me or physically attack me.
I certainly hope that your Son doesn't have to endure too much of this in his life. I am lucky that I haven't, but for the less than handful of times that it has happened I have been scarred.
This song was to be dedicated to someone here on Gather who has left an indelible scar on my heart. Funny how people say that others on Gather can not affect you personally, but they do my dear. They do.
The hypocrisy can be accepted but when one reads the actual words written in black and white on this forum ~ well, lets just say that they bite.
Ester - I'm sorry someone hurt you. I've said this before, but it is worth repeating:
This is the problem with the internet: People can say mean hurtful things more easily, and it hurts just as much. Words, spoken and written, can hurt. The internet makes it too easy to hurt people.
"If it ain't fun, I ain't playin'." ~ I'm going to follow this philosophy. Of course one never really does know if they've stopped playin' with you do we??
As for the beauty and shimmer in Sia's face and eyes ~ they do come right through and one can't help but be stopped in their tracks by her stunning beauty and kind, kind heart.
Not to change the subject, but what do you think about this? ---- A man started a lie when he knew a woman - he told her that he graduated college. Not a huge lie, but he was trying to impress her. The date, and get engaged and married, and he never tells her the truth. She, of course, tells people that he went to this college, and he has to make up stories about it. She asks where his college yearbook, ring, etc is, and he says he never bought that stuff. 15 years go by and someone that the husband works with says this: "It's a shame Tom never went to college, because he won't get promoted without that college degree"...to which she says of course, "yes he did"....which starts a discussion, and then she confronts her husband, who finally comes clean. She feels quite betrayed. He kept this secret all these years. Is she over reacting?
I do believe that the reason why most of my life I have had more MEN as friends is because they usually don't go around talking about people and would much rather talk about sports or sex or other stuff.
I am glad for such wonderful friends like you and Jules and everyone else on this thread. Ya'll all mean so very much to me.
I am NEVER a hypocrite and as a matter of fact I am just too honest and perhaps considered bold at times because I am honest and pull no punches when it comes to speaking my mind. My life is an open book as are most of my thoughts. I have the unfortunate habit of carrying my heart in my hand and as a consequence it gets squeezed an awful lot.
Thanks for all of you love and understanding Lisa.
In 1971, my Father had just gotten back from Viet Nam the second time and we were living in Copperas Cove, Texas where it was off base from Fort Hood as we waited for Government Housing. That summer my two best friends were Barbara Lofton and Gayle who were black girls. They taught me all about soul music and Al Green, the Temptations and so many different things. I was invited to all of the hip parties and went and saw all of the cool movies back then of the time like Superfly and Shaft and all of those cool films back then. My Dad worked part time as the Manager of an on base movie theater so we got to see everything for free back in those days. It was a cool time.
"Yeah, some people have such great smiles that they "use" it all the time."
I use my smile all of the time not because of some special reward that I will receive but because I am a happy person and feel that smiling at people, even at strangers makes for a great introduction for anyone and everyone. I have never been called a sour puss in my life and never will. It is nice to put your best foot forward whenever one can. At least that is my belief.
"Good teeth DNA doesn't make good people !!!"
I don't know what you meant by this remark but will say that I am a good person, good teeth or bad teeth.
In 1971 I was but a mere 12 years old but had been listening to this type of music and everything in between for all of my life. My Mom listened to classic guitarists like Segovia and Spanish and Mexican and Bobby Rydell and rock when I was inside of her so I guess that I naturally grew to love music of all genres just like my dear ol' Mom.
Here is a big (((HUG))).
They smile in your face
And all the time they try to take your place--
Back stabbers!
Life has it's share of good and evil, doesn't it?
I want to say, The O-Jays recorded this but I'm not sure.
The words to the song of your post are ones to which we can all say, Amen!
I agree that there are people on the internet that can hurt you. We are all flesh and blood and I feel that you can be more hurt here because people find it so easy to insult you or belittle you because a lot of people hide behind their icons and feel that they are invincible and untouchable; some even act holier than thou almost as if they can do no wrong either. Quite remarkable to me.
In the end, they are the ones who are watched more closely as normal people don't usually go around doing what some do on this site.
I appreciate your kindness hon.
i do enjoy the song and the beat... thanks Esther... love ya...
I am just going to keep my eyes open a bit wider from now on.
I don't play games at all. What you see is what you get without any hidden agenda here or in my real life off of Gather.
"Not to change the subject, but what do you think about this? ---- A man started a lie when he knew a woman - he told her that he graduated college. Not a huge lie, but he was trying to impress her. The date, and get engaged and married, and he never tells her the truth. She, of course, tells people that he went to this college, and he has to make up stories about it. She asks where his college yearbook, ring, etc is, and he says he never bought that stuff. 15 years go by and someone that the husband works with says this: "It's a shame Tom never went to college, because he won't get promoted without that college degree"...to which she says of course, "yes he did"....which starts a discussion, and then she confronts her husband, who finally comes clean. She feels quite betrayed. He kept this secret all these years. Is she over reacting?"
Donna, I do feel that she should feel betrayed. He lied to her and a life as a couple should begin without lies the very foundation should be based on truths as without it you have no trust.
I wouldn't leave him because of that lie alone but it would take me some time to regain the trust that I once had for him. If she can overcome that fact than they will be able to make it and if she can't forgive him this lie then the marriage is dead because of dishonesty.
Two years, Ester? I thought this was something that just happened. It must have really hurt.
Donna T., Oct 13, 2008, 2:47pm EDT
No hon, not two years. Almost two weeks ago. I never find anything to be upset or angry about for more than that moment but this situation with the backstabbing did effect me enough to remain in my heart and on my mind for this period of time.
Thank you so much for your concern.
"When you become as cynical as I am you never get fooled by smiling faces. You just expect the lies. What a way to live." David H., Oct 13, 2008, 2:52pm EDT
I can't live my life like that. It's just too much work to think that everyone is out to get you or to use you or to gain anything from their deceiving you. I honestly can not so I continue to trudge along in this life learning every time that I get used and abused. I feel that I can indeed learn a lot more about human nature this way.
Relax, don't be such a cynic. Let your guard down sometimes, you'll find that it really is a good way to live.
Thanks! (((hugs))) back to you!
Great songs came out back in the early 70's. "Backstabbers" was indeed released by the O'Jays in 1972. Excellent lyrics as well.
(What they do!)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
All you fellows who have someone and you really care, yeah, yeah
Then it's all of you fellows who better beware, yeah yeah
Somebody's out to get your lady
A few of your buddies they sure look shady
Blades are long, clenched tight in their fist
Aimin' straight at your back
And I don't think they'll miss
(What they do!)
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
I keep gettin' all these visits from my friends, yeah, what they doin to me
They come to my house again and again and again and again, yeah
So are they there to see my woman
I don't even be home but they just keep on comin'
What can I do to get on the right track
I wish they'd take some of these knives off my back
(They smile in your face)
All the time they want to take your place
The back stabbers (back stabbers)
Low down... dirty...
(What they do!)
(They smile in your face)
Smiling faces... smiling faces sometimes tell lies (Back stabbers)
(They smile in your face)
I don't need... low down, dirty bastards (Back stabbers)
Yes the words to Smiling Faces Sometimes is definitely fitting...more often than sometimes.
"oh yess... this song rings true especially during this political crap... oops...
i do enjoy the song and the beat... thanks Esther... love ya..."
Yes it does ring true for many reasons and the political ones are definitely big on this song for sure.
Love ya too kiddo!
Tell me who is it is -- I'll beat 'em up for ya. lol
Next time, I will call you and we can beat them up together.
Mean people suck, I won't play with them in my yard, even if they've never done it to me, I notice they don't play well with others, they don't get in my yard.
"I know a place. Ain't nobody crying. Ain't nobody worried........I'll take you there!!"
<3 Krystal