There’s something universally uplifting about songs that celebrate smiling and the joy it represents. Whether you’re looking for tracks that capture happiness, resilience, or the simple pleasure of a grin, these songs about smiling have soundtracked countless moments of joy throughout music history. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, this collection explores the best songs that put a smile on your face and remind us why music is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Nat King Cole – “Smile”
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Smile” stands as one of the most poignant interpretations of this Charlie Chaplin-composed masterpiece. Originally written as an instrumental theme for Chaplin’s 1936 film “Modern Times,” the song gained lyrics in 1954 and became a beacon of hope during difficult times. Cole’s warm, velvety voice transforms the simple act of smiling into a profound statement about human resilience, encouraging listeners to smile even when their hearts are aching. The orchestral arrangement perfectly complements the emotional depth of the lyrics, creating a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists including Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Bennett. This song remains a testament to the healing power of maintaining a positive outlook even in life’s darkest moments.
Lily Allen – “Smile”
Lily Allen’s 2006 breakthrough hit “Smile” takes a completely different approach to the theme with its cheeky, revenge-themed lyrics set against a reggae-influenced beat. The British singer-songwriter crafted an anthem for anyone who’s found satisfaction in moving on from a toxic relationship, singing about how her ex’s misfortune brings a smile to her face. The juxtaposition of the upbeat, sunny musical arrangement with the somewhat vindictive lyrics creates an irresistibly catchy pop song that resonated with audiences worldwide. Allen’s distinctive vocal delivery and the song’s ska-pop production helped it reach number one on the UK Singles Chart and introduced her unique brand of confessional pop to international audiences. The track’s success launched Allen’s career and proved that songs about smiling don’t always have to be wholesome—sometimes they can be deliciously petty and still wildly entertaining.
Uncle Kracker – “Smile”
Uncle Kracker delivered a feel-good country-pop crossover with “Smile” in 2009, creating a sunny celebration of the joy that one person can bring into your life. The song’s acoustic guitar-driven melody and Kracker’s raspy yet warm vocals create an intimate atmosphere that feels like a personal serenade. Lyrically, the track focuses on how someone special has the power to make everything better simply by being present, with their smile serving as a source of comfort and happiness. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its simple yet effective hook that captures the euphoria of being around someone who lights up your world. This song became one of Uncle Kracker’s most successful singles, reaching the top 10 on multiple Billboard charts and proving that straightforward, honest expressions of happiness still resonate deeply with listeners seeking positivity in their music.
The Supernaturals – “Smile”
Scottish indie pop band The Supernaturals created an understated gem with their 1997 single “Smile,” which showcases the Britpop era’s knack for melancholic melodies wrapped in deceptively upbeat arrangements. The song features jangling guitars and a memorable melody that captures the bittersweet nature of trying to maintain optimism in challenging circumstances. Lead vocalist James McColl delivers the lyrics with a sincerity that elevates the track beyond typical pop fare, exploring themes of encouragement and emotional support. The production values reflect the mid-90s British indie scene perfectly, with layered instrumentation that builds throughout the song to create an anthemic chorus. While it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some other entries on this list, “Smile” remains a beloved track among fans of Britpop and demonstrates how the theme of smiling can be explored with nuance and emotional complexity.
Kirk Franklin featuring Steve Harvey – “Smile”
Gospel music powerhouse Kirk Franklin teamed up with comedian and television host Steve Harvey for “Smile,” a 2020 release that blends contemporary gospel with R&B influences. The song emerged during the challenging times of the pandemic, offering a message of hope and perseverance wrapped in Franklin’s signature uplifting production style. Harvey’s spoken-word contribution adds a motivational element that complements Franklin’s vocals, creating a call-and-response dynamic that feels like a conversation between friends encouraging each other. The track’s production features rich harmonies, dynamic instrumentation, and the kind of musical joy that has made Franklin one of gospel music’s most influential figures. This collaboration demonstrates how songs about smiling continue to evolve, incorporating modern production techniques while maintaining the timeless message that finding reasons to smile can carry us through difficult seasons. For more uplifting tracks across different genres, explore our extensive songs collection.
Louis Armstrong – “When You’re Smiling”
Louis Armstrong’s 1929 recording of “When You’re Smiling” became the definitive version of this jazz standard, with Satchmo’s gravelly voice and trumpet work creating pure musical sunshine. The song’s simple premise—that smiling can change not just your outlook but the whole world around you—is delivered with such genuine warmth that it’s impossible not to feel uplifted. Armstrong’s performance captures the essence of early jazz optimism, with his distinctive vocal phrasing turning each line into a celebration. The big band arrangement features vibrant horn sections and a swinging rhythm that makes the song perfect for both listening and dancing. This track has endured for nearly a century because it taps into a universal truth: positive energy is contagious, and sometimes the simple act of smiling really can make the whole world smile with you.
Robert Palmer – “Simply Irresistible” (Smile Reference)
While not explicitly titled with “smile” in its name, Robert Palmer’s 1988 smash hit “Simply Irresistible” contains memorable lyrics about a woman’s smile that “is so natural” and discusses the powerful effect of her presence. The song’s driving rhythm, synthesizer hooks, and Palmer’s smooth vocal delivery created one of the most distinctive sounds of the late 1980s. The iconic music video, featuring Palmer in a suit surrounded by identically dressed models, became an MTV staple and helped propel the song to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Palmer’s exploration of attraction and charisma touches on how a smile can be a powerful tool of allure, making this track a sophisticated entry in the canon of smile-related songs. The production by Palmer and Bernard Edwards showcases the polished pop-rock sound that defined mainstream rock in the late ’80s.
Scarface featuring 2Pac and Johnny P – “Smile”
Hip-hop legends Scarface and 2Pac created a deeply moving track with “Smile,” released posthumously in 1997 on Scarface’s album “The Untouchable.” The song samples Nat King Cole’s classic version of “Smile” for its haunting chorus, performed by Johnny P, while the verses feature introspective reflections on struggle, pain, and the strength required to keep smiling despite adversity. 2Pac’s verse, recorded before his death, adds particular poignancy to the track, with his raw emotional delivery contrasting beautifully with the smooth, melancholic hook. Scarface’s contribution explores themes of perseverance in the face of street life and systemic challenges, making “Smile” one of hip-hop’s most emotionally resonant tracks. The production brilliantly bridges classic soul with ’90s hip-hop aesthetics, creating a timeless piece that demonstrates how the concept of smiling can represent resilience and defiance in the face of hardship.
Katy Perry – “Smile”
Katy Perry’s 2020 title track from her album “Smile” represents a triumphant return to form after a period of personal challenges. The song features Perry’s signature pop sound with an uplifting message about finding happiness again after difficult times. The production incorporates elements of dance-pop with a theatrical flair, complete with circus-themed references that tie into the album’s overall aesthetic. Perry’s vocal performance conveys genuine emotion as she sings about rediscovering joy and learning to smile again, making the track relatable for anyone who’s experienced setbacks. The song’s bridge is particularly powerful, building to a cathartic release that mirrors the emotional journey of healing. As one of the more recent additions to smile-themed songs, “Smile” demonstrates Perry’s ability to craft radio-friendly pop with substance, addressing mental health and recovery in an accessible way that resonated with fans during the uncertainty of 2020.
Vitamin C – “Smile”
Vitamin C (Colleen Fitzpatrick) brought her bubblegum pop sensibility to “Smile” in 1999, creating an effervescent pop confection that perfectly captured millennial optimism. The song features bright, glossy production typical of late-’90s teen pop, with layers of synthesizers and a memorable melody that burrows into your brain. Vitamin C’s sweet vocal delivery and the song’s uncomplicated message about spreading happiness made it a staple on teen-oriented radio stations and television programs. The track’s music video, with its colorful, playful aesthetic, reinforced the song’s message that life is better when you approach it with a positive attitude. While perhaps less sophisticated than some other entries on this list, “Smile” succeeded in its mission to create three minutes of pure pop joy that encouraged listeners to embrace happiness and share it with others.
David Gilmour – “Smile”
Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour recorded a contemplative instrumental version of “Smile” for his 2006 album “On an Island,” bringing his legendary guitar tone to the Charlie Chaplin classic. Gilmour’s interpretation strips away lyrics entirely, allowing his expressive guitar work to communicate the song’s emotional message through pure melody and feeling. The arrangement features lush orchestration that creates a cinematic atmosphere, with Gilmour’s guitar singing the familiar melody with the kind of bending notes and sustain that have made him one of rock’s most distinctive players. This version emphasizes the melancholic beauty inherent in the composition, presenting smiling not as simple happiness but as an act of courage and grace. Gilmour’s tasteful approach to the material shows deep respect for the source while adding his own musical personality, creating a version that stands alongside the many vocal interpretations as a valid and moving take on this standard.
Avril Lavigne – “Smile”
Avril Lavigne contributed to the Disney compilation album “Almost Alice” with her emotional ballad “Smile” in 2010, written for the Tim Burton film “Alice in Wonderland.” The song features Lavigne in a more mature, introspective mode than her earlier punk-pop hits, with lyrics that explore themes of memory, loss, and finding comfort in remembering happier times. The production is relatively sparse compared to Lavigne’s rock-oriented work, built around piano and strings that support her vulnerable vocal performance. The chorus delivers an emotional punch as Lavigne sings about making someone smile even through tears, capturing the bittersweet nature of cherished memories. This track demonstrated Lavigne’s growth as an artist and songwriter, showing she could tackle more nuanced emotional territory while maintaining the sincerity that always characterized her work. If you’re interested in discovering more diverse musical content, check out our detailed headphone comparisons to ensure you’re hearing every emotional nuance.
The Emotions – “Best of My Love” (Smile Lyric)
The Emotions’ disco-soul classic “Best of My Love” prominently features smiling in its lyrics, with the memorable line about seeing someone’s smile making everything worthwhile. Released in 1977 and produced by Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the era’s signature tracks. The falsetto harmonies, funky bassline, and sophisticated arrangement showcase the pinnacle of ’70s soul-disco fusion. The Emotions’ pristine vocal harmonies create an irresistible warmth that perfectly conveys the joy of being in love, with smiling serving as a shorthand for the happiness that relationship brings. The song’s enduring popularity led to its inclusion in numerous films and television shows, cementing its status as a timeless expression of romantic joy. The production values and musical sophistication make it a masterclass in how to create pop music that’s both commercially successful and artistically substantive.
Jack Stauber – “Buttercup”
Indie pop artist Jack Stauber’s “Buttercup” became a viral sensation in 2020, with its lo-fi production and quirky lyrics capturing the attention of TikTok users and music fans seeking something different. The song’s bridge features the repeated plea “smile for me” delivered in Stauber’s distinctive, slightly distorted vocal style that’s become his trademark. The track’s dreamy, slightly unsettling atmosphere creates an interesting contrast with its ostensibly sweet message, reflecting the complex nature of modern relationships and emotional vulnerability. Stauber’s DIY aesthetic and unconventional song structure represent a new generation’s approach to pop music, where traditional verse-chorus formats give way to more experimental arrangements. “Buttercup” demonstrates how songs about smiling continue to evolve with new artists bringing fresh perspectives and production techniques to familiar themes, proving that there’s always room for innovation even when exploring universal human experiences.
Michael Jackson – “Smile”
Michael Jackson recorded his version of “Smile” for his 1995 double album “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I,” delivering one of his most emotionally vulnerable performances. Jackson had long admired Charlie Chaplin and identified personally with the song’s message about maintaining dignity and grace despite pain and adversity. His rendition features minimal instrumentation, placing his voice at the forefront and allowing the raw emotion in his delivery to shine through. The slight tremor in Jackson’s voice adds authenticity to the performance, making it feel less like a superstar’s recording and more like a personal confession. This version is particularly poignant when considered in the context of Jackson’s own struggles with media scrutiny and personal challenges during the mid-1990s. Many critics and fans consider this one of Jackson’s finest vocal performances, stripped of the elaborate production that characterized much of his other work and revealing the sensitive artist beneath the pop icon persona.
Glee Cast – “Smile (Charlie Chaplin Cover)”
The cast of the television show “Glee” brought “Smile” to a new generation with their 2010 performance in the show’s first season finale. The arrangement featured the show’s signature blend of contemporary pop production with show choir aesthetics, introducing many younger viewers to the Chaplin classic for the first time. The performance within the show’s narrative context—characters finding hope despite crushing disappointment—gave the song renewed emotional resonance for the series’ devoted fanbase. The “Glee” version maintained the song’s core message while updating the production to appeal to contemporary audiences, demonstrating the composition’s remarkable flexibility across different musical eras. The show’s success in reviving classic songs for new audiences made this version a gateway for many listeners to explore older interpretations by Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, and others, showing how television can still play a crucial role in music discovery.
Lil Durk featuring Morgan Wallen – “Broadway Girls”
This unexpected collaboration between Chicago rapper Lil Durk and country star Morgan Wallen includes lyrical references to a woman’s smile within its genre-blending approach. Released in 2021, “Broadway Girls” represents the increasingly fluid boundaries between hip-hop and country music, with both artists bringing their distinctive styles to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The song’s production incorporates trap beats with melodic elements that nod to both artists’ backgrounds, while the lyrics explore themes of attraction, relationships, and the things that draw us to other people—including that special smile. The collaboration was commercially successful, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrating that songs referencing smiling and joy continue to connect with audiences regardless of genre. This track represents how modern music increasingly resists categorization, with artists from different backgrounds finding common ground in universal human experiences. For more contemporary tracks that push genre boundaries, explore our extensive songs category.
Nate Smith – “Smile”
Country artist Nate Smith released “Smile” in 2022 as part of his rising star trajectory in Nashville. The song showcases Smith’s powerful, soulful voice against a contemporary country-pop production that incorporates R&B influences into the traditional country framework. Smith’s vocal delivery brings genuine emotion to lyrics about how one person’s smile can change your entire day and outlook on life. The production features a mix of organic instrumentation and modern production techniques, creating a sound that appeals to both traditional country fans and those who prefer the genre’s more pop-oriented direction. Smith’s background as a worship leader brings an additional layer of sincerity to his performance, making “Smile” feel like more than just another romantic country song. This track represents the new wave of country music that draws from diverse influences while maintaining the genre’s core values of storytelling and emotional authenticity.
Juice WRLD – “Smile” featuring The Weeknd
Released posthumously in 2020 on the album “Legends Never Die,” Juice WRLD’s “Smile” featuring The Weeknd tackles darker themes despite its title. The song explores the struggle to find happiness while dealing with inner demons, substance abuse, and the pressures of fame. The Weeknd’s haunting hook about trying to smile despite the pain creates a melancholic atmosphere that’s both beautiful and deeply sad, especially given Juice WRLD’s tragic death in 2019. The production combines melodic elements with modern trap influences, creating a soundscape that perfectly matches the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This track demonstrates that songs about smiling aren’t always celebrations—sometimes they’re acknowledgments of how difficult it can be to maintain a positive facade when struggling internally. The collaboration between two of modern music’s most emotionally expressive artists created a powerful statement about mental health, fame, and the masks we wear, making it one of the most important smile-related songs of recent years.
Isaiah Fisher – “Smile”
Contemporary Christian artist Isaiah Fisher brought gospel influences to “Smile” with his 2023 release that combines worship music with contemporary R&B production. Fisher’s smooth vocals and the song’s uplifting message about finding joy through faith create an inspirational track that resonates with Christian music fans and general audiences alike. The production features rich harmonies, modern beats, and a polished sound that reflects contemporary Christian music’s increasing mainstream appeal. Fisher’s lyrics focus on how faith can provide reasons to smile even during trials and tribulations, offering hope and encouragement to listeners facing challenges. The song’s bridge builds to a powerful moment of musical and emotional release that showcases Fisher’s vocal range and the song’s production values. As one of the newest entries on this list, “Smile” demonstrates that the theme continues to inspire artists across genres, with each generation finding new ways to express the universal human need for joy, hope, and reasons to keep smiling despite life’s difficulties. To ensure you’re experiencing all the nuances of modern production, visit our earbud comparison guide for recommendations on the best listening equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous song called Smile?
The most famous song called “Smile” is the Charlie Chaplin composition with lyrics added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954. Nat King Cole’s 1954 recording became the definitive version and one of the most beloved standards in American popular music. The song has been covered by hundreds of artists including Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, and Tony Bennett, each bringing their own interpretation to this timeless message about finding strength through positivity. Its enduring popularity stems from both the beautiful melody and the profound yet simple lyrics that encourage listeners to smile through heartache and pain.
Who sang Smile in 2020?
Multiple artists released songs titled “Smile” in 2020, most notably Katy Perry who made it the title track of her fifth studio album released in August 2020. Kirk Franklin also released “Smile” featuring Steve Harvey in 2020 as an inspirational gospel track during the pandemic. Additionally, Juice WRLD’s posthumous “Smile” featuring The Weeknd was released in July 2020 on the “Legends Never Die” album. The coincidence of multiple smile-themed songs in 2020 reflects how artists turned to themes of hope and resilience during an exceptionally challenging year marked by the global pandemic and social upheaval.
What song says when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you?
The song “When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)” was written by Mark Fisher, Joe Goodwin, and Larry Shay in 1928 and became a jazz standard. Louis Armstrong’s 1929 recording is the most famous version, with his distinctive gravelly voice and trumpet work making it synonymous with early jazz optimism. The song’s message that positive emotions are contagious and that our outlook affects those around us has made it a favorite for generations. Other notable versions have been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, and countless other artists, cementing its place as one of the most enduring songs about the power of smiling.
Are there any recent songs about smiling?
Yes, several recent releases focus on smiling themes, including Nate Smith’s “Smile” from 2022 which showcases contemporary country-pop production, and Isaiah Fisher’s 2023 “Smile” which blends gospel with R&B influences. Jack Stauber’s “Buttercup,” which became a viral sensation in 2020, features “smile for me” prominently in its lyrics with an indie-pop lo-fi aesthetic. The 2021 collaboration “Broadway Girls” by Lil Durk and Morgan Wallen also references smiling within its genre-blending approach. These newer songs demonstrate that the theme of smiling continues to inspire contemporary artists across multiple genres, from hip-hop and country to indie pop and Christian music, with each bringing modern production techniques and perspectives to this timeless subject.