"Paint Your Smile"

Lots of young songwriters, trying to be profound, have written this same song in one form or another. The Hollies’ “Clown” springs to mind. With my entry into the field, I tried to do something different. Instead of writing about a sad clown who should be happy, I wrote about a happy clown who should be sad.

The artwork seen here is a Photoshopped version of a milkpaint original. As with most of my Cambridge artwork, it ended up in the trash. I regret that now. I’ve been battling some depression lately, and could use a few extra smiles.

Paint Your Smile

© 1985 Brian Hutzell

You ask me what I think

You've worked for a long time

I can see your painting

Is coming along fine

You haven't been outside for awhile

I can tell because your portrait smiles

You ask me what is wrong

You're naïve but it's alright

I can see your reasons

For staying inside

Paint your smile

In spite of the world

It makes me smile

In spite of myself

Paint your happy people

Later you'll learn

To show concern

You wonder what I mean

You're scared

I've alarmed you

I can see misfortune doesn't disturb you

Go back to your work

Don't listen to me

Maybe I'm the one who is naïve

Paint your smile

In spite of the world

It makes me smile

In spite of myself

Paint your happy people

Later you'll learn

To show concern

Give us a reason to smile

Keep us entertained

Make believe it's all okay

Paint your smile

In spite of the world

It makes me smile

In spite of myself

Paint your happy people

Later you'll learn

To show concern

“Smile”

Brian Hutzell