Smile (Charlie Chaplin song)

"Smile" is a song with music composed by the English actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin. This music was the theme for the soundtrack of one of Chaplin's movies, Modern Times (1936). The music had no lyrics. It was originally written in D minor. John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added lyrics and a title in 1954. The lyrics are based on lines and themes from the movie. The singer is telling the listener to smile and be optimistic. "Smile" has become a popular song since its original use in Chaplin's movie.

Cover versions

Nat King Cole version

The song, with its lyrics, was originally sung by the American jazz musician Nat King Cole.

Judy Garland version

American singer, actress, and dancer Judy Garland sang a memorable version of "Smile" on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1963.

Michael Jackson version

American singer Michael Jackson recorded his own version of the song for his album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I in 1995. Jackson cited "Smile" as his favorite song.

In 2009 at Jackson's memorial service, his brother Jermaine Jackson sang a version of the song in Michael's honor. It is performed in the Michael Jackson: One Las Vegas production.

Jimmy Durante version

The song was also recorded by American singer and comedian Jimmy Durante as part of his album Jackie Barnett Presents Hello Young Lovers. Durante's version was used prominently in the teaser trailer of the 2019 film Joker and is part of the film's soundtrack.

Lady Gaga version

American singer and actress Lady Gaga covered the song on her 2020 TV special, One World: Together at Home, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also covered the song on her album, Harlequin (2024), which was inspired by her film, Joker: Folie à Deux, in which she stars as Lee, the female lead.

References

  1. ↑ Linda Wada. "Smile". Edna Purviance, Charlie Chaplin's Leading Lady - Welcome to Paradise. Archived from the original on 2021-02-05. Retrieved 2010-05-02. Scans of the sheet music clearly attribute authorship of the music and lyrics.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  2. ↑ Bloom, Madison (2020-04-19). "Watch Lady Gaga Perform "Smile" on One World: Together at Home". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  3. ↑ Ruggieri, Melissa. "Lady Gaga uncorks big band classics, her finest moment yet on 'Joker 2' album 'Harlequin'". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2024-10-03.