"Smile" was Michael Jackson's favorite song in his life, said one of Michael's closest friends Brooke Shields at his Memorial Service. The song "Smile" was the theme music for Charlie Chaplin‘s final silent picture Modern Times in 1936, composed by Charlie Chaplin.
Chaplin was one of the most famous actors as well as a notable filmmaker, composer and musician in the early to mid "Classical Hollywood" era of American cinema.
Chaplin acted in, directed, scripted, produced and eventually scored his own films as one of the most creative and influential personalities of the silent-film era. Not unlike Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin had a rough childhood, with his half-brother, he spent most of his chidhood in orphanages where they were often hungry and beaten. He barely knew how to read and write. But he rose to become the greatest entertainer at his time that brought pleasure, relief, entertainment, joy and hope to so many human beings through his art, and his unique, provocative perspectives over politics, and the ironies in life and in societies, all expressed in amusing ways in his films with an undercurrent of bitterness and sadness. In a review of the book Chaplin: A Life (2008), Martin Sieff writes: "Chaplin was not just 'big', he was gigantic. In 1915, he burst onto a war-torn world bringing it the gift of comedy, laughter and relief while it was tearing itself apart through World War I. Over the next 25 years, through the Great Depression and the rise of Hitler, he stayed on the job. It is doubtful any individual has ever given more entertainment, pleasure and relief to so many human beings when they needed it the most."
Chaplin acted in, directed, scripted, produced and eventually scored his own films as one of the most creative and influential personalities of the silent-film era. Not unlike Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin had a rough childhood, with his half-brother, he spent most of his chidhood in orphanages where they were often hungry and beaten. He barely knew how to read and write. But he rose to become the greatest entertainer at his time that brought pleasure, relief, entertainment, joy and hope to so many human beings through his art, and his unique, provocative perspectives over politics, and the ironies in life and in societies, all expressed in amusing ways in his films with an undercurrent of bitterness and sadness. In a review of the book Chaplin: A Life (2008), Martin Sieff writes: "Chaplin was not just 'big', he was gigantic. In 1915, he burst onto a war-torn world bringing it the gift of comedy, laughter and relief while it was tearing itself apart through World War I. Over the next 25 years, through the Great Depression and the rise of Hitler, he stayed on the job. It is doubtful any individual has ever given more entertainment, pleasure and relief to so many human beings when they needed it the most."
I can see how Michael Jackson shared Chaplin's view on life, and the attitude of "Smiling through fear and sorrow" all their lives and then you'd "find that life is still worthwhile". From Michael Jackson's footage I can see Michael has such admiration and respect for Charlie Chaplin, and their positive attitude towards all the hardships in life is definitely something that we can all learn from. Both great, extremely gifted men fought their life battles through countless hard times to become whom they became. The song simply represented how they really thought and felt about life. I have fallen in love with this song and tears always well up in my eyes every time I listen to this song. The lyrics is so beautiful it makes my heart ache.
Right after Brooke Shields spoke of this very song, Jermaine Jackson sang 'Smile' and created a moment so touching and heartbreaking that we all shared. The melody and especially the lyrics of the song are so beautiful, inspiring and touching I was deeply moved and shed a tear. Jermaine seemed to hold it together even though he was obviously overwhelmed by strong emotions singing his baby brother's favorite song and started weeping towards the end of the song.
Jermaine Jackson sings "Smile" at Michael Jackson's Memorial Service
Michael Jackson's most beautiful smiles ever - "Smile"
Charlie Chaplin "The Kid" footage - "Smile"
Lyrics of "Smile"
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.
Instrumental Interlude
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
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