"Smile" from Chaplin by Robert Downey Jr.

This song, for those who didn't know before...including me, was written by Charlie Chaplin himself, the man who brought smile on many faces. I actually came across this song while searching for Robert Downey Jr.'s Chaplin on youtube. I heard a lot about him recently due to his hugely popular IronMan movie. And that made me do some research on his old movies which landed me on Richard Attenborough's "Chaplin".

This version of "smile" was sung by Robert himself, and listening to it you can easily say that he's a talented singer as well. Downey's bluesy voice is full and soulful and it touches your heart quite instantly. I believe there were earlier versions of the same song, but I don't know if they'd be as moving as this one. I got goosebumps listening to it the first time.



I believe Charlie Chaplin was a very depressed man in real life, which is quite ironic looking at his screen image. Manic depression sucks. More power to those who fight and are creative in spite of it. Artist and writers have higher rates of depression. Guess creativity comes with a price. But what a gift, amazing !! Now I've gotta watch this movie.

Here's the lyrics for this enigmatic song -

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