"Smile" is a cover of the Charlie Chaplin song produced by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released as the thirty and final track (fifteenth and final on the second disc only) from the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I double album. It was released as a promotional single on December 28, 1997.
Background[]
Chaplin and Jackie Coogan on the set of The Kid (1921)
Jackson had always stated that "Smile" was one of his favorite songs and that Chaplin was one of his biggest inspirations. He recorded his cover version between March 11–12, 1995, at The Hit Factory.
"Smile" was slated for release as the seventh and final single from the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album on December 28, 1997, with everything from the cover art to the track listing being complete and ready. However, the release was canceled at the last minute, with most copies being withdrawn and destroyed, and only a few getting to circulate in the UK, South Africa, and the Netherlands.[1][2] The single is currently one of the rarest collectibles by Jackson, and very few people are known to own it, including collectors.
Artwork[]
The single's artwork is a recreation of a photograph featuring Chaplin and Jackie Coogan, shot on the set of the 1921 silent movie, The Kid.
Audio[]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by
[Verse 2]
If you smile with your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just
[Verse 3]
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear
May be ever so near
[Verse 4]
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
[Verse 1]
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by
[Verse 2]
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
[Violin Solo]
[Verse 4]
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
Gallery[]
![Vinyl back cover[2]](/wiki/File:Smilecover2.jpg "Smilecover2.jpg (68 KB)")
![Vinyl (side 1)[2]](/wiki/File:Smilevinyl1.jpg "Smilevinyl1.jpg (73 KB)")
![Vinyl (side 2)[2]](/wiki/File:Smilevinyl2.jpg "Smilevinyl2.jpg (79 KB)")
|
"Look deep within yourself, and you'll find something amazing." To view the Smile gallery, click here. |
Trivia[]
- Jackson was scheduled to perform "Smile" at the German TV show Wetten, dass..? on November 8, 1997. The performance was ultimately canceled, however, due to "personal reasons".[3]