Culture

Michael Jackson's Favorite Song: Smile by Charlie Chaplin

by Amy Judd | July 7, 2009 at 11:07 am

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Michael Jackson's favourite song, as revealed by Brooke Shields at his memorial at the Staples Center on July 7th 2009, is 'Smile', originally by Charlie Chaplin, sung in the 1936 movie 'Modern Times'.

Brooke Shields said Michael's favorite line from the song was 'smile, though your heart is breaking' as it was a mantra he lived by himself. Jermaine Jackson did sing a version of the song at Michael's memorial.

Michael did sing a version of this song on his 1995 double album 'HIStory' and he dedicated the final performance of it on his HIStory World Tour to Princess Diana.

It was planned for single release in 1997, but was canceled days before its release date. Some say that this was due to Jackson not being happy with the commercial video release. Only a few copies from The Netherlands, Germany, and South Africa (where the record distribution was started previous to the withdrawal) were saved, as others were withdrawn. The rarest pressings include the CD maxi single (estimated value over €500) and the single track promo.

The original version sung by Michael is quite difficult to find now, but in 2005, some bootlegged 12" record copeis were sold on eBay, and later a short version was issued on the 3 CD version of the UK album 'King of Pop' in 2008.

Smile Lyrics:

Lyrics:

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile with your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just
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 though your heart is aching
Smile even though its 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 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