It’s Only Smiles (Acoustic) Lyrics – Periphery

[Verse 1]
We’ve all got those things crawling under what they perceive
We know sharp fangs and they chew in the tide alone

[Refrain]
My gut is telling me, oh, it’s telling me why
She’d rather see a man up than me under

[Pre-Chorus]
Rip a hole in my life, but no matter the things I do, never get over it
I said goodbye from a place so far
I’m under the truth
Because words mean nothing to fleeting youth
Rip a hole in my life when it’s bringing me back to you
[Chorus]
I’ve been trying to work it out
Gotta get away, get away from the sights and sounds
Keep it on the ground
I don’t wanna be, but just carry on and smile on through it
Death is true and I’ll be missing you (And I’ll be missing you)

[Verse 2]
Advice is not always right
So I’ve gone to tread my ways
The path I’ve laid out is tied
We’re always meant to shine
(You left a lot of grief)
(Now it’s bleeding out my teeth)
Shot holes in every stone heart, oh
The tones are on repeat, yet nothing’s filling me
It’s on my chest and you’re in this art

[Refrain]
My gut is telling me, oh, it’s telling me why
She’d rather see a man up than me under

[Pre-Chorus]
Rip a hole in my life, but no matter the things I do, never get over it
I said goodbye from a place so far
I’m under the truth
Because words mean nothing to fleeting youth
Rip a hole in my life when it’s bringing me back to you

[Chorus]
I’ll work it out
Gotta get away, get away from the sights and sounds
Keep it on the ground
I don’t wanna be, but just carry on and smile on through it
Death is true and I’ll be missing you

[Coda]
I’ve been trying to work it out
Gotta get away, get away from the sights and sounds
Keep it on the ground
I don’t wanna be, but just carry on and smile on through it
Death is true and I’ll be missing you
(Death is true and I’ll be missing you)

[Verse 1]
The first verse reflects on the commonality of hidden struggles within individuals, likening them to unseen creatures crawling beneath the surface of perception. The mention of “sharp fangs” suggests the pain and turmoil these struggles can cause, which often go unnoticed or unaddressed.

[Refrain]
This refrain delves into the narrator’s introspection, indicating a realization prompted by their gut feeling. They understand that someone would rather witness them in a position of strength rather than vulnerability, hinting at societal expectations and the pressure to maintain a façade of resilience.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus delves into the depth of emotional turmoil, expressing the profound impact of a significant loss or departure. Despite efforts to move forward, the pain remains, and the narrator feels trapped in the truth of their reality. The reference to “fleeting youth” underscores the fleeting nature of life and its experiences.

[Chorus]
The chorus encapsulates the narrator’s ongoing struggle to cope with life’s challenges. They express a desire to escape from the overwhelming sensory stimuli of the world, emphasizing the need to remain grounded despite the urge to flee. Despite the acknowledgment of death and loss, they resolve to persevere with a smile.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, the narrator reflects on the limitations of advice and the importance of forging one’s own path. Despite the grief caused by someone’s departure, they assert their resilience and determination to navigate life’s obstacles. The imagery of “shot holes in every stone heart” suggests defiance in the face of adversity.

[Refrain]
This repetition of the refrain reaffirms the narrator’s understanding of societal expectations and the internal conflict between vulnerability and strength.

[Pre-Chorus]
Repeating the pre-chorus reinforces the persistent struggle with emotional wounds and the inability to fully overcome them. The mention of being “under the truth” suggests a profound realization that cannot be escaped, no matter how hard one tries.

[Chorus]
Similarly, the repetition of the chorus emphasizes the ongoing battle to find solace amidst life’s trials. Despite the acknowledgment of death and loss, the narrator remains committed to persevering with a smile, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity.

[Coda]
The coda reiterates the narrator’s determination to work through their struggles and find a sense of peace, despite the inevitability of death and the pain of missing someone. It underscores the enduring nature of their resolve and the ongoing journey towards acceptance and healing.