"Smile" is a song based on an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times which also featured his 3rd wife Paulette Goddard (pictured in the video) who was an American actress in her own right.

While Chaplin composed the music, David Raskin, whom was recommended by George Gershwin to the music publishing company Harms Music, gave him his first break. Raskin was drafted to be Charlie Chaplin’s musical assistant on the landmark film Modern Times. Chaplin composed his own scores, but like even some modern composers, was a “hummer,” unable to transcribe his scores by himself, instead humming or singing them to a transcribing musician. Chaplin was notoriously tough on those who took this job, not one of which lasted for more than a single movie. It was from this score that an American standard was born-the song “Smile,” with a melody attributed to Chaplin and lyrics, later added, by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954.

In the lyrics, 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.

Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, KBE (16 April 1889 -- 25 December 1977) was a British comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the silent era. Chaplin became a worldwide icon through his screen persona "the Tramp" and is considered one of the most important figures of the film industry. His career spanned more than 75 years, from childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death at age 88, and encompassed both adulation and controversy.

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 -- February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American singer and musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. He was widely noted for his soft, baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. Cole was one of the first African Americans to host a television variety show, The Nat King Cole Show, and has maintained worldwide popularity since his death from lung cancer in February 1965.

The song, originally sung by Nat King Cole, charted in 1954. Singer Sunny Gale also covered the song, sharing sales with Cole, as shown in the music trade Cashbox. It was also covered by Cole's daughter, Natalie, on her 1991 album, Unforgettable... with Love.

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.

Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, sang "Smile" at his brothers 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. The song has since charted at #74 in the UK, #71 in Germany, #70 in Switzerland and at #56 in Australia.

Nat's accompanied by Joe Howard (trombone); George Roberts (bass trombone), Vince DeRosa, Bill Hinshaw (French horn); John Hacker, Harry Klee, Dominick Mumolo (reeds); Len Atkins, Victor Bay, Alex Beller, Harry Bluestone, Walt Edelstein, Nat Ross, Mischa Russell, Eudice Shapiro, Paul Shure, Felix Slatkin, Marshall Sosson, Jerry Vinci (violin); Stan Harris, Paul Robyn, Barbara Simons, David Sterkin (viola); Cy Bernard, Armand Kaproff, Ray Kramer, Eleanor Slatkin (cello); Bill Miller (piano); John Collins (guitar); Charlie Harris (bass); Lee Young (drums); Lou Singer (percussion); Nat King Cole, Loulie Jean Norman (vocals); and Nelson Riddle (arranger, conductor). Recorded in Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, CA, July 27, 1954

Entertainment Weekly called this song "destined-for-Disney rendition."

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

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

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

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