Lyrics Page
I Smile
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Jun 15, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Kirk Franklin's 'I Smile' is an uplifting gospel song that encourages listeners to maintain hope and joy even during difficult times like recession, depression, and unemployment. The lyrics acknowledge pain and struggle but emphasize trusting God's work and finding strength to smile. Franklin references a divine power, described as the Holy Ghost, that sustains believers. The song calls for perseverance and joy that transcends circumstances, reminding that God is still working. It connects to the biblical idea of rejoicing in trials (James 1:2-4) and finding peace in God's presence.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
depression and unemployment.
This song's for you."
Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart
and it feels like a cold night.
Today's a new day, where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it's alright.
(I'll be honest with you)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain,
fell from heaven like a shower now.
(When I think how much better I'm gonna be when this is over)
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while (what you do?)
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you've been down.
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile.
Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart,
and it feels like a cold night.
Today's a new day, but tell me where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it's alright.
(the truth is)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain (the holy ghost power, yo)
fell from heaven like a shower now.
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you've been down.
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile.
Smile.. for me
Can you just smile... for me.
Smile.. for me
Can you just smile... for me.
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your waiting)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your praying)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(look in the mirror)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(always remember)
You look so much better when you smile
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain (but the holy ghost power, yo)
fell from heaven like a shower now.
I smile, even though I hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you've been down.
Sure would hate to see you give up now.
You look so much better when you smile.
so smile.
ohohoh (Dallas) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (New Orleans) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (Clevland) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (Detroit) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (Philay) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (Jersey) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (L.A) you look so much better when you
ohohoh (all my people say) you look so much better when you
smile...
See I just don't want you to be happy
'cause you gotta have something happening.
I want you to have joy
'cause can't nobody take that away from you.
I see you.. SMILE!!