Smile Away by Paul McCartney is a rock song that embodies themes of resilience and perseverance through challenging circumstances. The song tells a story of facing adversity and choosing to respond with a positive attitude—symbolized by 'smiling away'—despite difficult or embarrassing situations. The key theme is overcoming obstacles with optimism and the power of a smile. Poignant moments in the song come through McCartney's humorous and light-hearted tone, conveying a message that no matter how tough things get, maintaining a positive outlook can help navigate through life's ups and downs.