I picked up the Jayhawks‘ 2000 album Smile a couple of years ago. If you’ve never listened to the Jayhawks before, I suggest you check them out.

The popular term for their music is alt-country or something like that. The title track to Smile is a really sweet song – and one I wanted to share with you guys today.

It’s a beautifully crafted piece of country-pop, rich in harmonies and uplifting choruses. And Smile has a simple, positive message:

(Chin up, chin up)
You don’t really have a problem
(Chin up, chin up)
In your hour of despair

And smile when you’re down and out
(Find something inside you)
Smile when you’re down and out
(Find something inside you)

Unfortunately, The Jayhawks are no more, but this song (hell, the whole album) is worth revisiting. Once you’ve heard it, you won’t be able to get it out of your head.