"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, while John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added the lyrics and title in 1954.
Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, sang "Smile" at Michael's memorial service on July 7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, shortly after Michael Jackson's friend Brooke Shields mentioned it had been Jackson's favorite song. Jermaine inadvertently switched the words "gladness" and "sadness" in the lyric. Dang.
lyrics
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 fear 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 just smile
credits
from Rise Up and Shine,
track released June 10, 2011
Written by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner, Geoffrey Parsons