The words to the song ‘Smile’ are one of the great anthems for personal inspiration and belief. The music for Smile was written by Charlie Chaplin for his landmark film, Modern Times, released in 1936, although Smile’s lyrics were actually added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954, in which year Nat King Cole had the commercial success with the Smile song.

Although Charlie Chaplin didn’t write the lyrics to Smile, the words resonate strongly with Chaplin’s inspirational life of challenge, tragedy, success, and ultimately global appreciation, which owed much to his difficult early character-forming years. The Smile lyrics, and Chaplin’s life story, each provide in their own way a lesson for anyone seeking inspiration and personal fulfillment.

Chaplin was born in Walworth, South London on 16 April, 1889. His mother and father were stage performers, but were also tragic people, divorcing when Charlie was young.   As a child Chaplin descended to the workhouse orphanage because his parents were unable to look after him. His mother fell ill and was in and out of an asylum while his father became an alcoholic and died when Charlie was 14.  Throughout his life Charlie Chaplin struggled with challenges, some of his own making, while he strived and became one of the most successful achievers – in creative and financial terms – of the 20th century. At one time exiled and rejected by the USA for his political views, Chaplin was awarded the World Peace Prize in 1954, eventually welcomed back to America to receive an Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972, and was knighted in 1975. Charlie Chaplin died on Christmas Day, 1977.

The words and music of Smile and Chaplin’s wonderful films help to demonstrate that the power of personal belief, and a positive approach to life, can enable people to overcome all kinds of disadvantage, challenge and adversity.

~ adapted from businessballs.com – Smile (Charlie Chaplin Story)

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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

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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• Thomas Gladysz: Two New Releases Show Genius of Charlie Chaplin (huffingtonpost.com)