Length 2:52 | Language English | |
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Published 1936 (Instrumental theme), 1954 (Lyrics added to song) Writer(s) John Turner (Lyrics)
Geoffrey Parsons (Lyrics) Composer(s) Charlie Chaplin (Music) | ||
"Smile" is a song based on an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times. Chaplin composed the music, inspired by Puccini's Tosca. 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. It was used as the theme song on NBC's The Jerry Lewis Show from 1967-69. In 2012, Rachael Leahcar sang the song on the first season of The Voice Australia, charting at number 34 on the Australian Singles Chart.
Contents
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. It was also recorded by Deana Martin on her second studio album, Volare, released in 2009 by Big Fish Records.
Diana Ross version
Diana Ross recorded a version on her 1976 album.
Michael Jackson version
Singer Michael Jackson often cited 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 1998. However, it was cancelled at the last minute 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 collectible of all Jackson's releases. James Hunter of Rolling Stone wrote a negative review: "the climactic version of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" has zero point of view on itself; its blend of rampaging ego and static orchestral pop is a Streisand-size mistake." 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.
Track listing
CD maxi single
- "Smile" (short version) – 4:10
- "Is It Scary" (radio edit) – 4:11
- "Is It Scary" (Eddie's Love Mix Edit) – 3:50
- "Is It Scary" (Downtempo Groove Mix) – 4:50
- "Is It Scary" (Deep Dish Dark and Scary Radio Edit) – 4:34
12" maxi single
Promotional single
- "Smile" (short version) – 4:10
Promotional CD single
- "Smile" (short version) – 4:10
- "Is It Scary" (radio edit) – 4:11
Misia version
The Japanese singer Misia recorded the song with three choral groups of children from Sendai, one of the cities affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The song, which served as the theme for the animated film Friends: Mononoke Shima no Naki, was released in December 2011 on her Misia no Mori: Forest Covers album. Her version charted at number 41 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. Misia performed the song on her 2011–2012 concert tour The Tour of Misia Japan Soul Quest.