Song of the Day: 'Ghost of His Smile' by Susanna Hoffs

Always found this song about depression from Susanna Hoffs lost "Wallace Album" to be haunting. But it became even more chilling when I learned this weekend that it was written by Mark Linkous (aka Sparklehorse), who would later record it himself -- and eventually take his own life with a gunshot to the head.

In 2012, Hoffs discussed writing with Linkous in an abandoned schoolyard. The revamped "Wallace Album" -- released as "Susanna Hoffs" in 1996 -- included "Enormous Wings" and "Darling One" by Hoffs and Linkous as well as Linkous's "Happy Place," written with David Lowery, who also helped write "Darling One" along with Davey Faragher. I always wondered why that album was so dark, considering Hoffs was seemingly ecstatic with a new marriage and the birth of her first son -- and now perhaps this explains things.

"Ghost of His Smile"

Sparklehorse

He don't get out much

These days

But I wouldn't call him

Lazy

He sees the dawn sneak

Into the room

And knows the dogs will

Be up soon

And we thought that he was doing alright

As the sun chased down another night

And days careen

Like the waters

Of a river rushing

To the sea

Here she comes again

Down the staircase

She never passes without

Saying hello

And we thought that he was doing alright

And she says hello

I can't forget the ghost

I can't forget the ghost

I can't forget the ghost

Of his smile

Dogs will wag their tails

And birds will sing

Hell it's hard world

For little things

And we thought that he was doing alright

I can't forget the ghost

I can't forget the ghost

I can't forget the ghost

Of his smile

Songwriters: Mark Linkous

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