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Smile

by Ariel Dyer

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about

FOR THE MONTH OF MAY-- I will be donating all proceeds from this song to the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault of Bakersfield, California.

I wrote this song for an open mic put on by the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. When you think of working in a library, you probably don't think about sexual harassment. WELL let me tell YOU, it's something we deal with on the regular from our patrons. And honestly I just kind of accepted it as normal (the way we do when it's something happening to ourselves) until I talked to coworkers about how often it happens to them, and the various ways in which it happens. This song came up pretty naturally from those conversations and from my own experiences.

So for anyone who's ever worked anywhere, but especially in a customer service position, this one's for you.

lyrics

I only smile if I want to
And if you have to ask then it's not for you
I'd rather file off my tattoos
I only smile if I want me to

You mistake my forced and captive audience for flirty rapt attention
Oh but honey, I would never ever in a million alternate dimensions
I can't resist when you persist cuz I'm at work-- I'd be a jerk for causing tension
"You look much better when you smile" - I'm choking back on my own bile
I'm sorry sir, did I forget to mention

I only smile if I want to
And if you have to ask then it's not for you
I'd rather file off my tattoos
I only smile if I want me to

She won't care if you think she's pretty
You've crossed the line of being shitty when you say that shit
When she's on the goddamn clock
While she's laughing politely
Inside she's screaming, "bite me"
Between you or death, she'd choose electric shock

I only smile if I want to
And if you have to ask then it's not for you
I'd rather file off my tattoos
I only smile if it's worth my while
I only smile if I want me to
I only smile if I want me to

credits

released May 15, 2018
Recorded and mixed by Brad Gardner

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all rights reserved

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Ariel Dyer Bakersfield, California

Serenading you with covers and originals pop, punk, sad 90s, ukulele cabaret, and MORE!

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