Smile

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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

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
Smile

Smile (Original Version)
Words byJohn Turner & Geoffrey Parsons
Music byCharles Chaplin
Performed byElvis Costello
Produced byElvis Costello & Kevin Killen
Arranged byElvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal
Marc Ribot - guitar
Greg Cohen - bass
Anthony Coleman - piano
Joey Baron - drums
Roy Nathanson - alto saxophone
Bill Ware - vibraphone
Elena Barere - violin (concertmaster)
Barry Finclair - violin
Carol Webb Sortomme - violin
Richard Sortomme - violin
Enrico DiCecco - violin
Vincent Lionti - viola
Richard Locker - cello
Jeanne LeBlanc - cello
Recordedlate September 2001, Avatar Studios, New York
ReleasedApril 17, 2002
AlbumsWhen I Was Cruel, 2002 (Japan only)
When I Was Cruel - Collectors Edition, 2002
Cruel Smile, 2002
SinglesSmile, 2002
Various Artists collectionsHits Now (1), 2002
I Love Drama, 2004
Climax - Hits On TV Drama & Movie, 2005
Beauty Deluxe, 2005
Dramatic Days - Very Best Of TV Drama Songs, 2005
The Best Hits - TV Hits, 2010 -
Length3:04

First known performance:
June 28, 2002, Tokyo, Japan
Last known performance:
December 13, 2013, Tokyo, Japan
     (11 known performances)


Alternate versions

Smile (Ballad Version)
Performed byElvis Costello
Arranged bySteve Nieve
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal
Steve Nieve - Bosendorfer piano, virtual string orchestra
Renaud Pion - soprano saxophone, Bb clarinets, bass clarinet, cor anglais
Vincent Segal - cello
Recordedca. late 2001-early 2002, Studio Delphine, Paris (backing track) & Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin (vocal)
ReleasedMay 9, 2002
AlbumsWhen I Was Cruel - Collectors Edition, 2002
Cruel Smile, 2002
SinglesSmile, 2002
Length3:32
When I Was CruelWIWC album cover 400.jpg

Smile singleSmile Japan CD single front insert.jpg

Cruel Smile2002 Cruel Smile Album small.jpg


Recordings by other artists

Internal links

External links