Smile (Charlie Chaplin song)

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"Smile" is a song based on the theme song used in the soundtrack for Charlie Chaplin's 1936 film Modern Times.

Background

Chaplin, who composed the song with the help of composer David Raksin, was inspired by a sequence in the first act love duet from Puccini's opera Tosca, beginning with Cavaradossi singing "Quale occhio al mondo può star di paro". 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 and has been recorded by numerous artists.

Cover versions

Nat King Cole version

Nat King Cole recorded the first version with lyrics. It charted in 1954, reaching number 10 on the Billboard charts and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. This version was also used at the beginning of the 1975 movie Smile. Sammy Davis Jr. recorded a cover version of the Cole original, as part of his tribute album The Nat King Cole Songbook in 1965.

Charts

Michael Jackson version

American singer Michael Jackson often ranked "Smile" as his favourite song and recorded it for his 1995 double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It was scheduled to be released as the seventh and final single from the album in 1997. However, it was cancelled shortly before its intended release and only a few copies, mostly promos, went into circulation in the UK, South Africa and the Netherlands, making it one of the rarest and most collectible of all Jackson's releases. Entertainment Weekly called this version of the song a "destined-for-Disney rendition." In 2009 at Jackson's memorial, his brother Jermaine Jackson sang a version of the song in Michael's honor. This song is performed in the Michael Jackson: One Las Vegas production.

Track listing

CD maxi single 12" maxi single Promotional single Promotional CD single

Charts

Other charting versions

Other notable recordings

In popular culture

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