How Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” Touched Michael Jackson’s Heart and Soul

Charlie Chaplin’s iconic song “Smile,” from his 1936 film Modern Times, is a timeless piece of music that has touched the hearts of millions over the decades with its simple yet profound message: keep smiling through life’s difficulties. For Michael Jackson, “Smile” had a particularly deep resonance that influenced his music and artistry in subtle yet significant ways.

“Smile” Musical Inspiration

One of the most direct connections between “Smile” and Michael Jackson is his cover of the song on his 1995 double album HIStory. Jackson’s soulful rendition of “Smile” showcased his stunning vocal range and ability to imbue a song with deep emotion. The song’s lyrics of persevering through hardship with a smile clearly spoke to Jackson’s own experiences of overcoming adversity.

Jackson’s version of “Smile” features a lush orchestral arrangement with strings, horns, and backing vocals that elevate the song’s already hopeful and uplifting tone. Jackson’s soaring vocals convey a sense of melancholy mixed with resilience, reflecting both the struggles he had faced in his life as well as his determination to keep smiling through it all. The song became a fan favorite and remains a testament to Jackson’s musical talent and ability to make a classic song his own.

Compositional Influence

Some music scholars argue that the melody and chord progression of “Smile” likely influenced Jackson’s composition of “Earth Song,” a ballad from his 1995 album HIStory. Both songs feature a similar minor key, melodic phrasing, and harmonic structure that suggest “Smile” may have served as subconscious inspiration for “Earth Song.”

While there is no hard evidence proving a direct link, the similarities in the two songs indicate Chaplin’s “Smile” likely made an impression on Jackson and informed his own musical creativity in subtle yet profound ways. The thematic parallels between the songs – a call to preserve hope and joy in the face of life’s difficulties – further strengthens the potential connection.

Thematic Resonance

Beyond its possible influence on Jackson’s musical compositions, “Smile” clearly resonated with Jackson on thematic and emotional levels that spoke to his own experiences and artistic vision.

Overcoming Adversity: Both Chaplin and Jackson knew what it meant to face significant hardship and adversity. Chaplin grew up in poverty and faced the challenges of being an immigrant in London. Jackson endured a difficult childhood under his father’s strict control as well as intense public scrutiny throughout his life. “Smile’s” message of using optimism and joy as a means of persevering through life’s difficulties no doubt resonated deeply with Jackson on a personal level.

Childlike Wonder: Chaplin’s Little Tramp character, who first appeared in “Smile,” embodied an innocent sense of wonder, joy, and playfulness that also characterized Jackson’s own artistic persona. Jackson worked to maintain a childlike spirit throughout his life, and the playful yet profound spirit of “Smile” likely connected with Jackson’s desire to retain his own inner child.

Mutual Admiration and Tribute

There are indications that Chaplin and Jackson shared a mutual respect and admiration for one another’s artistry. Reports suggest Chaplin praised Jackson’s talent, while Jackson expressed deep admiration for Chaplin’s films and humanitarian work. This mutual esteem further reinforces the profound impact “Smile” likely had on Jackson.

Jackson even paid tribute to Chaplin by performing “Smile” at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony honoring Chaplin. The fact that Jackson chose to perform “Smile” as his tribute to Chaplin highlights the deep personal connection he felt to the song and its creator.

In Summary

While the full extent of “Smile’s” influence on Michael Jackson remains impossible to quantify, it’s clear the song touched Jackson on multiple levels that informed his music, artistry, and personal journey. The song’s themes of resilience, hope, and joy in the face of struggle clearly resonated with Jackson’s own experiences and artistic vision, making “Smile” an important touchstone in his musical and spiritual development. Charlie Chaplin’s timeless classic continues to touch hearts and inspire smiles more than 80 years after its creation, including that of one of the world’s most beloved musical icons: Michael Jackson.