Story Behind The Song

Smile is a song based on an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times. Chaplin composed the D minor music, while John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added the lyrics and title in 1954. In the lyrics, based on lines and themes from the film, the singer is telling the listener to cheer up and that there is always a bright tomorrow, just as long as they smile. Smile has become a popular standard since its original use in Chaplin's film.

Song Description

In Britain, rival versions were released by Lita Roza and Petula Clark in 1954. Clark later re-recorded it for her 1968 album The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener, by which time she was a personal friend of Charlie Chaplin. Jazz guitarist Royce Campbell recorded it on his album, "Get Happy (2007). Jeff Lynne recorded it for his album "Long Wave (2012), along other old standards. Singer Michael Jackson recorded the song for his 1995 double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It was planned to be released as the eighth and final single from the album in 1998 but was canceled days before its release date. Only a few copies from the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa (where the record distribution was started previous to the withdrawal) were saved as the other copies were withdrawn. The rarest pressings include the CD maxi single (estimated value over €500) and the single track promo (the promo single CD was going for AU$1,725 in February 2011).During the 2013 Hollywood Bowl summer season, the song was performed by no less than six different singers at different concerts. These included: Josh Groban with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. John in his tribute to Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Kristen Chenoweth with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and George Benson in his tribute to Nat King Cole.

Lyrics

Smile

Music by Charles Chaplin
Lyrics by Geoffrey Parsons and John Turner

Performed by JoJo Worthingtin

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll. get by

If you smile through your pain and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you'll just smile.

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
sandragates60@gmail	My Top Songs	5/6/2015
Ionut Mirel Udrea	Best Jazz	4/15/2015
Diana Rasmussen	Heart songs	5/25/2014
Julia Schmidt	My Top Songs	2/15/2014