SMILE BECAUSE YOU’RE SAD

No one can say it quite like you did
We must all gently pass away
But there is somethin’ left
Can’t put my finger on it
You are the reason I wanna stay
And that’s not really what I wanted to say

When you move somebody the feelin’ lingers on
If that’s what’s left of us
Then I will stay with you
There ain’t no question about it

Don’t wanna set their hearts on fire
Don’t wanna make them turn away
But there is somethin’ that
I wanna tell you now
You have so much courage
And every day’s a victory

Don’t fake it anymore
Don’t smile because you’re scared
Smile because you’re sad
Smile because you’re sad

There are no victory laps
No one to shake your hands with
There is just what you leave to us
So don’t forget it all
You’re here to win it all
Then you’re to leave it all behind

Don’t fake it anymore
Don’t smile because you’re scared
Smile because you’re sad
Smile because you’re sad

“Smile Because You’re Sad” was released as a single (5 May 2025).
©2025, Mark It! Records.

N. McAlister - Guitar, Piano, Synth, Voice
Andrew Orozco - Bass
Ryan Watson - Drums

Joe Tacke - Recording Engineer
Recorded at Cloudland Recording Studio on 17 June 2022. 

Neal McAlister - Recording Engineer
Harmony Studios, L.L.C.

Peter Weirenga - Recording Engineer
The Bit

Ricky Williford - Mixing Engineer

Todd Pipes - Mastering Engineer

Music & Lyrics by Neal McAlister
Arrangement by Neal McAlister
Artwork - Zach Dominguez
Produced by Harmony Studios, L.L.C.

Special Thanks: Lucy McAlister, Joel McAlister, Laura McAlister, Josh Garcia, Charles F. Yackulic, Jerry Lynn Petty, Gene Roddenberry, Bob Ross, Joel Hodgson