Danielle (smile on my face) Lyrics - Fred Again

About “Danielle (smile on my face)”

"Danielle (smile on my face)" by Fred again.. features vocals by 070 Shake and appears on Fred’s *Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9 2022)* album. The track blends elements of alternative dance, electronic, and pop, using samples from 070 Shake's song "Nice To Have." Lyrically, the song expresses deep emotional complexity, balancing between themes of love, vulnerability, and pain. It conveys a feeling of surrender to love, even when it comes with uncertainty and heartache.

• Album: Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9 2022)


• Released: September 14, 2022


• Produced by: Fred again.., Benji Gibson, PARISI & Four Tet


• Written by: Fred again.., 070 Shake, Benji Gibson, Dave Hamelin, MIKE DEAN, and others


• Genres: Alternative Pop, Electronica, House

Song Meanings Explained.

"Danielle (smile on my face)" delves into the emotional contradictions of love, exploring how pain and passion often coexist. The lyrics express a vulnerability to both emotional highs and lows, revealing a desire to embrace the entirety of the experience, even if it comes with heartbreak.

[Verse 1]

The opening verse, delivered by 070 Shake, presents a complex emotional state where the speaker feels both drawn to and hurt by love. The line, "Sometimes I wanna feel the pain," shows an acceptance of love’s darker sides. The contradiction in actions ("You said you were done, but you're over here naked") hints at the ongoing tension and unresolved emotions within a relationship.

[Chorus]

In the chorus, the speaker reflects on the idea of dying in someone's arms, but with "a smile on my face," signifying the intensity of the bond. It expresses how, despite the pain or potential end, the joy of being in love outweighs everything else.

[Verse 2]

The second verse continues to highlight the conflicting emotions of wanting to confront pain but simultaneously finding comfort in the relationship. The imagery of squeezing a heart "until it breaks" symbolizes the pressure and intensity of the emotional experience.

[Bridge]

The bridge introduces a more introspective moment, where the speaker acknowledges how the relationship forces them to face their deepest emotions. The repetition of "Sometimes you make me wanna face it" underscores the difficulty of confronting feelings but also the necessity of doing so for personal growth.

[Outro]

The outro reflects a sense of joy and contentment that comes from being immersed in the emotional intensity of the relationship. The lines, "I've been literally smiling" and "So, so, so good," suggest that, despite the challenges, the experience of love brings profound happiness.

Song Theme.

The overarching theme of "Danielle (smile on my face)" is emotional complexity in relationships. The track portrays how love can be both painful and euphoric at the same time. It suggests that fully embracing these emotional contradictions leads to deeper connections and personal transformation. The song’s emphasis on vulnerability and raw emotional honesty is central to its message.

Technical Analysis.

"Danielle (smile on my face)" incorporates a blend of alternative pop and electronic production, featuring atmospheric synths and minimalist beats. The production by Fred again.. and collaborators like Benji Gibson and PARISI allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through while creating a hypnotic and immersive soundscape. The repetitive chorus and subtle beat changes provide a rhythmic flow that mirrors the internal conflict and release felt throughout the song. Fred again..’s use of 070 Shake’s sampled vocals adds texture, blending personal intimacy with a wide sonic atmosphere.