Don't Smile

Album: Short n' Sweet (2024)
Charted: 35
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Sabrina Carpenter wraps up Short n' Sweet with this slow-burning, bittersweet track that turns the old saying "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" on its head and gives it a good shake. In "Don't Smile," Carpenter isn't in the mood for silver linings after a breakup; she's raw, she's real, and she's mumbling lyrics like, "I want you to miss me."

    Talking to Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Carpenter explained her rebellious twist on the classic idiom: "That title is on every Pinterest board, on every sewn pillow, but the opposite; don't cry because it's over, but smile because it happened. And I was like, 'f--k that.'"
  • Intriguingly, the opening track on Short n' Sweet, "Taste," is all about an ex who, despite moving on to someone new, is still haunted by little ghosts of Carpenter herself - memories, habits, maybe even a stray hair on a jacket.

    This makes for a neat little loop as Carpenter ends the album with "Don't Smile," a track wishing her ex would feel the sting of regret, and begins the record with a song that has her ex already doing just that.
  • Carpenter revealed to Zane Lowe that Short n' Sweet is inspired by her shortest, yet most impactful, romances. Every track on the album is drawn from her own experiences, except for "Don't Smile," which grew from a friend's tale of heartbreak. She wrote the lyrics in a mere 30 minutes while touring in France.
  • France must have been a fertile ground for creativity, as it was also where Carpenter wrote the album's lead single, "Espresso." She teamed up for both songs with her regular co-writer Amy Allen, along with Steph Jones, with whom she penned "Nonsense," and Short n' Sweet producer Julian Bunetta.
  • Bunetta co-produced the song with John Ryan. The pair, who were Carpenter's go-to team for many of the Short n' Sweet tracks, are no strangers to crafting hits, having worked on One Direction's last four albums. For "Don't Smile," they conjured an '80s-inspired vibe, layering dreamy rock guitars, smooth drums, and vocals soaked in reverb.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."