Smile

During this life-affirming song, Katy Perry sings about how she'd lost her sparkle because of failures and rejection. She eventually overcame her challenges after realizing that such setbacks often turn out to be "God's protection" and "every tear has been a lesson." Now, Perry is grateful for her journey to redemption and has a smile so "big and bright, need shades just to see me." "I wrote this song when I was coming through one of the darkest periods of my life," said Perry. "When I listen to it now, it's a great reminder that I made it through. It's three minutes of energizing hopefulness."

Perry named her sixth album after this cheery anthem because it sums up its theme of overcoming depression. "This whole album is my journey towards the light," she explained, "with stories of resilience, hope, and love."

Katy Perry wrote "Smile" with Ferras, Benny Golson and Starrah, plus its producers Josh Abraham and Oligee. Naughty By Nature's Vin Rock, Kay Gee and Anthony Criss also get credited because the song heavily samples their 1999 hit single "Jamboree."