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Paris Jackson, Brooke Shields Bring Emotion; Jermaine Jackson Sings Brother’s Favorite Song at Michael Jackson Memorial

Jul 7, 2009  •  Post A Comment

Paris Jackson, the 11-year-old-daughter of Michael Jackson, said near the close of today’s memorial service for him, "Ever since I was born daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much." She then turned away from the microphone in tears. 

It was the emotional highlight of the memorial. Earlier, a tearful Brooke Shields remembered the days when she and Jackson were much younger and used to hang out together. What Jackson most loved in those days, Shields said, was to laugh and smile. 

After Shield’s remembrance,  Jermaine Jackson sang his brother Michaels’ favorite song,  "Smile."

The emotionally moving melody was written by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film "Modern Times." Though released after movies had sound, "Modern Times" was a silent film that basically has no dialogue–only a score by Chaplin. Lyrics were later to added to "Smile" by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.

Michael Jackson’s version of the song was included on his 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1. During the final concerts of Jackson’s tour supporting the album he sung the song, dedicating it to Princess Diana, according to Wikipedia.

Probably the best known version of the song is the one recorded in 1955 by Nat King Cole, heard here on YouTube.

Here are lyrics to "Smile":

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.

Instrumental Interlude

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.

–Chuck Ross

45 Comments

  1. Thank God for moments in life when the world just pauses to cry and be moved. Jermaine’s just now heart-stopping song of “Smile” at Michael’s memorial will never leave my soul no matter how long I live. I was in my den and cried for my past, present and future…sue

  2. I mixed up gladness and sadness.

  3. Yes and your glove is on the right not on the correct side – left. What are you trying to tell us?

  4. This is the one day- one occasion (Michaels memorial) where mixing up gladness with sadness is entirely understandable. The service was beautifully presented- genuine, memorable and so full of love and care. My prayers for strength and love during this difficult time go to Michaels family and friends.

  5. I am not ready to smile yet. I have to learn to live in a world without Michael.

  6. It wish it was me. I wish I was a gift from Allah. I wish they would have a memorial for me someday. But ohhh no, it’s always Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! … urrr … I mean Michael. Thanks everyone for understanding my sadness and gladness. Finally, y’all can tell I have a nice voice too. Look out for my new single in 2010 on daddy’s new label Ranch Records (name to be changed pending litigation).

  7. you were phenomenal.it was very touching,i could feel the pain you and your family are going through.because i have allways loved michael.i named my son after michael.we love you too.god bless you

  8. Marlon, Tito, Jackie, and I shared 2 pairs of gloves, so we wore alternating left and right gloves. In this economy, we wouldn’t want to be wasteful! P.S. I wore my glove on my right, just like Michael did.

  9. you were phenomenal.it was very touching,i could feel the pain you and your family are going through.because i have allways loved michael.i named my son after michael.we love you too.god bless you Michael would not wont you to be sad,he wont you to smile.I will be waiting for your new record to come out.

  10. My favorite version Smile was always the one done by Jimmy Durante.This was so beautiful,it brought tears to these 86 year old eyes.

  11. hello my name is sebastien, I have 14 years, my home is in france the city is Hirel, in Ile et Vilaine, I am like you I was moved by paris jackson I know what I am saying has nothing do with the tribute but since I’ve seen paris j jackson I resent feeling love.I know that for some people I will look stupid,but I don t care.I love that you go see it and tell him what I’ve said. I hope you will thank you if you do .thank you

  12. Would love to be able to purchase this song if it is on cd. This song bring tears to my eyes all the time but that is not a bad thing.

  13. I just have to say, fine info. i’ve been looking for something like this for a while. can i subscribe somehow to new content? like email subscription or rss feed?

  14. tasty i just am crazy about him and his voice. Michael was so talented, we will miss him

  15. wow i justcontinue to love michael and his songs. He was wild, There will never be another michael

  16. whow i just am crazy about him and his voice. Michael was wild, the world will miss michael

  17. wow i justcontinue to love michael and his sound. Michael was so talented, he will be missed

  18. amazing i justcontinue to love him and his songs. He was wild, he will be missed

  19. tasty i justcontinue to love him and his voice. Michael was unique, he will be missed

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  22. I cant believe the NHL is going to risk losing one of the best players in his prime to the KHL

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  45. Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer of all times. The first time I saw Michael Jackson I loved him! I couldn’t stop listening to his song. Michael Jackson was a good singer, her musics is very good I thing Michael was more interesting than Lady gaga. I love you MJ

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