Smile

"Smile"Single by Michael Jackson
General information
Released	December 28, 1997
Recorded	March 11–12, 1995
Studio	Hit Factory (New York)
Genre	Soul
Length	4:55
Album	HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Label	Epic Records
Writer(s)	John Turner Geoffrey Parsons
Producer(s)	David Foster Michael Jackson
Singles chronology
Previous	"Ghosts"
Next	"You Rock My World"
Track list
Previous	"Little Susie / Pie Jesu"

"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 is the eighth and final single from the album.

Background

Jackson always stated "Smile" is one of his favorite songs and that Charlie Chaplin is one of his biggest inspirations. Michael recorded his cover of Smile between March 11 and 12, 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 cancelled last minute and only a very few copies got to circulate in 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.

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

Vinyl (Side 1)

Vinyl (Side 2)

"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 cancelled due to Sony not wanting to pay for making its music video.