When
Acker Bilk Lyrics


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I saw a blind man,
He was a kind man,
Helping a fellow along,
One could not see,
One could not walk,
But they both were humming this song;

When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
The sun comes shining through,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,
So stop your sighing be happy again,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you.

I used to worry,
I used to hurry,
Each time it started to rain,
Now I see light,
Learned wrong from right,
And you'll never hear me complain;

When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
The sun comes shining through,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,




So stop your sighing be happy again,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Acker Bilk's song "When" convey a message of positivity and the power of a smile. In the first stanza, the singer describes witnessing a blind man who, despite his own limitations, is kind and helping another person. They both may have physical challenges, but they are united in their joyful spirit, as evidenced by them humming a song together.


The chorus emphasizes the contagiousness of a smile. When you smile, the whole world around you responds positively. It is a reflection of happiness and brings people together. Similarly, when you laugh, it can brighten up a gloomy day, symbolized by the sun shining through. On the other hand, when one is crying or feeling sad, it can bring about a metaphorical rain, dampening the spirit. The lyrics encourage the listener to stop wallowing in sorrow and choose happiness instead.


In the second stanza, the singer shares a personal transformation. They used to worry and rush through life whenever it rained, a symbol of challenges or difficult times. However, they have now gained a different perspective and have learned to distinguish between what is right and wrong. They no longer complain about the rain or their circumstances.


The chorus is repeated in this stanza as well, reinforcing the idea that a smile has the power to bring happiness and positivity not only to oneself but to the world around them. It encourages the listener to continue smiling, as it can have a ripple effect on others. The message is to persevere through difficult times and maintain a positive outlook.


Overall, the lyrics of "When" celebrate the simple but profound act of smiling. It emphasizes the impact a smile can have on one's own well-being and the world around them. It encourages the listener to choose happiness, even in the face of challenges, and recognizes the power of positivity in creating a better, more harmonious world.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joe Goodwin, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@michelantoni4072

Comme toujours, une douce musique ! Magnifique musicien !

@sarkaknizkova9535

Nádherné, moc děkuji za možnost sdílení

@jirkapik

Děkuji též, rád publikuji méně známé, ale krásné skladby mého milovaného Ackera. Jirka G.B.

@henrycheung3896

It is one of my best music in my life. I bought the original cassette tape in 1979 which Has Acker bilk with violet coat , his clarinet And his smile in one of the shop inside ocean terminal of Hong Kong. “When” was the last two or three track of A side or B side of the cassette tape. The tape quality was too bad to be listen back twenty years ago. And I lost the tape. Thanks Geaorge Becherovsky help so We can listen this great music again. 
Inside the tape, there were “if” homecoming”auf wiedersehen”love said goodby”when”. I try to find out the First title music of the A and B side. Is anyone can tell me what the title is. Many tanks.

@jirkapik

Thank You very much. George B.

@larryhouk3018

Where can I find the lyrics to this lovely tune?

@jirkapik

I don't know about the lyrics, it's Acker's own melody.

@jiriknizek1147

Zdravím je to fantastické moc klidná hudba k večeru Jirka z Prahy

@jirkapik

Děkuji Jirko z Prahy

@corbaris2073

I love thuis Music!

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