A Contradictory Ode to Allure and the Perils of Idealization
“When the Lady Smiles”, Golden Earring’s 1984 foray into synth-tinged rock, presents a complex and somewhat contradictory view of infatuation, where the intoxicating power of a woman’s smile blinds the narrator to potentially darker realities. While it achieved significant success in their native Netherlands and parts of Europe, its journey in North America was notably hampered by a controversial music video, leaving its deeper lyrical nuances perhaps less explored by a wider audience.
Released as the lead single from their album N.E.W.S. (NorthEastWestSouth) in February 1984, “When the Lady Smiles” became a massive hit for Golden Earring in their homeland, reaching number one on the Dutch Top 40 and other Dutch charts. It also peaked at number one in Belgium and reached number three in Canada. However, despite following their earlier US hit “Twilight Zone,” the single stalled at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. This limited success was largely attributed to the music video, directed by Dick Maas, which featured a scene depicting attempted sexual assault on a nun, leading to its banishment from MTV and many radio stations, significantly hindering its exposure.
The lyrics of “When the Lady Smiles,” penned by George Kooymans and Barry Hay, paint a picture of a man utterly captivated by a woman’s smile. This smile holds an almost hypnotic power over him, described as “warm and resourceful,” capable of driving him wild. He seems to willingly overlook any potential flaws or warning signs, blinded by her allure. His friends offer cautionary tales, calling her “the beast inside your paradise” and a “fallen angel,” suggesting a manipulative or dangerous nature. Yet, the narrator resolutely dismisses these concerns, proclaiming, “She’s done nothin’ to mislead me.”
The song delves into the intoxicating nature of idealization in relationships. The narrator is so enthralled by the woman’s charm, symbolized by her smile, that he seems to exist in a state of denial regarding any potential negative aspects of her personality. He admits she “could always let me down,” yet he remains utterly under her spell, stating, “I can’t resist her call / As a matter of fact, I don’t resist at all.” This highlights the vulnerability that can accompany intense infatuation, where reason and external warnings are often ignored in favor of the powerful pull of desire.
Musically, “When the Lady Smiles” showcases a departure from some of Golden Earring’s earlier hard rock sound, incorporating more prominent synthesizers and a slightly more polished, new wave-influenced production. The driving rhythm section and Barry Hay’s distinctive vocals still provide the band’s signature edge, but the overall sonic landscape reflects the evolving sounds of the mid-1980s.
For those who remember the music scene of the mid-80s, “When the Lady Smiles” might evoke memories of a time when rock music was experimenting with new electronic sounds and when music videos held significant sway over a song’s success. The controversy surrounding the video unfortunately overshadowed the song’s lyrical content for many in North America, preventing a deeper exploration of its themes of infatuation and the potential blindness it can induce. Golden Earring’s “When the Lady Smiles” ultimately stands as a compelling, if somewhat misunderstood, song that explores the intoxicating and potentially perilous power of charm, where a simple smile can hold both irresistible allure and the potential for profound deception, a theme that resonates even beyond the specific controversies that clouded its release in some parts of the world.