Smile

“Smile” is a song based on the theme song used in the soundtrack for Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 film Modern Times. Chaplin, who composed the song, was inspired by Puccini’s Tosca. John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added the lyrics and title in 1954 In the lyrics, based on lines and themes from the film, 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 and has been recorded by numerous artists. Nat King Cole recorded the first version with lyrics. It charted in 1954, reaching number 10 on the Billboard charts and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. This version was also used at the beginning of the 1975 movie Smile. Sammy Davis Jr. recorded a cover version of the Cole original, as part of his tribute album The Nat King Cole Songbook in 1965.