"Smile" is a cover of the song by Charlie Chaplin performed by Michael Jackson and released as the fifteenth track on the second disc of the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album. It was released as a single on December 28, 1997, serving as the eighth and final single from the album.
Background[]
Jackson always stated that "Smile" is one of his favorite songs and that Charlie Chaplin is one of his biggest inspirations. Michael recorded his cover between June 27th, 1994, and March 12th, 1995.
Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan on the set of The Kid (1921)
The track was initially aiming for a single release on December 28, 1997. Although the cover art, track listing, etc. were complete and ready, the release got canceled last minute and only a very few copies got to circulate in the UK, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The single is currently one of the rarest Jackson collectibles and very few people are known to have 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[1]](/wiki/File:Smilecover2.jpg "Smilecover2.jpg (68 KB)")
![Vinyl (Side 1)[1]](/wiki/File:Smilevinyl1.jpg "Smilevinyl1.jpg (73 KB)")
![Vinyl (Side 2)[1]](/wiki/File:Smilevinyl2.jpg "Smilevinyl2.jpg (79 KB)")
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"Look deep within yourself, and you'll find something amazing." To view the Smile gallery, click here. |
Trivia[]
- On fan forums, it used to be speculated, that the proper release of "Smile" was canceled due to Sony not wanting to pay for making its music video.