Discover the story of the song > How to Fight Loneliness – Wilco

The protagonist is feeling lonely and the song describes ways he tries to fight it. He tries to keep smiling even when it doesn't mean much and he lies to make himself seem happier. He also distracts himself by laughing at jokes, smoking and focusing on superficial things, but ultimately it doesn't bring him lasting fulfillment. The chorus repeats a mantra of just smiling all the time, but it's clear that this isn't a true solution to his loneliness.