In Chicago, she began recording for small soul labels and worked with soon-to-be big name producers Ike Turner and Curtis Mayfield until 1963, when she was picked up by Vee-Jay Records. While recording for Vee-Jay, she released several minor hits including "You're No Good" and the catchy "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)" which was her biggest solo hit. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was #1 on the Cashbox R&B chart.
Her other hits included "I Can't Hear You", "Getting Mighty Crowded", and several duets with Jerry Butler, including "Let It Be Me" which made the US Top 5 in 1964 and was another Cashbox R&B number 1. After Vee-Jay folded in 1966, she recorded for several other labels including Uni, Fantasy, and ABC.
She had another major success in 1969 with "There'll Come A Time", which rose to #2 on the Billboard R&B charts and topped the Cashbox chart. While most of her later work could not match the success she had with Vee-Jay, there were other R&B hits with "It's Been A Long Time" and "I Got To Tell Somebody" in 1970. Her final recording came out in 1980. Her awards include the BMI Pop Award, both for 1964 and 1991, and the BMI R&B Award for 1964.
Smile
Betty Everett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
Lady, that's the time
You've got to keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still
Worthwhile if you just smile
I said, that's the time
You've got to keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still
Worthwhile if you just smile
The opening lines of the song "Smile" by Betty Everett and Jerry Butler urge listeners to find hope and solace even in the midst of heartache and adversity. The song encourages one to wear a smile despite the breaking heart and even when the sky is filled with clouds. The song acknowledges that life can be tough, and there are moments when tears and sorrow threaten to overwhelm. However, the chorus reminds the listener that keeping a smile on their face can help them get through any challenge.
The second stanza of the song offers empathy and consolation to listeners going through a difficult time. It recommends that they brighten their face with joy and remove any hints of sadness, even if it means putting on a front. The lines that follow suggest that even though tears may be close by, one should keep trying and smiling, regardless of how tough the situation may be. The song concludes by urging listeners to find happiness in life by keeping a smile on their face, even when things are tough.
Line by Line Meaning
Smile though your heart is aching
Put on a brave face and smile despite the pain in your heart
Smile even though it's breaking
Keep smiling even if your heart is falling apart
When there are clouds in the sky
During difficult times or when things seem cloudy
You'll get by
You will survive and get through it
If you smile through
When you put on a smile despite
Your tears and sorrow
Crying and being sad
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
Hope that tomorrow will be better with a smile
You'll see the sun come
The sun is a metaphor for happiness and better times
Shining through for you
Happiness will come to you if you keep smiling
Light up your face with gladness
Be happy and joyful in your expression
Hide every trace of sadness
Do not let anyone see that you are down or sad
Although a tear may
Even if you feel like crying
Be ever so near
And you are close to tears
Lady, that's the time
This is the moment
You've got to keep on trying
You must continue to strive
Smile, what's the use of crying
There is no point in being sad, put on a smile instead
You'll find that life is still
You will understand that life is
Worthwhile if you just smile
Valuable and meaningful even if you just smile
I said, that's the time
I repeat, this is the moment
You've got to keep on trying
You must persevere
Smile, what's the use of crying
There is no benefit in crying, so smile instead
You'll find that life is still
You will realize that life remains
Worthwhile if you just smile
Valuable even if you just smile
Contributed by Parker S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kendrav3231
I ❤all of Jerry Butler’s songs🔥❤️….
@jmilewil4
So peaceful and serene
@williamkablach3474
Song really makes me smile
@timothyhughes1904
A wonderful offering.
@lawless2321
RIP...Grandma
@harptone55
Great
@marcocampeggio2431
GRANDIOS
@Atomank68
YES, EVEN THE EIGHT-YEAR OD BOY THAT I ONCE WAS DUG (VERY DEEPLY,INDEED) THIS FANTASTIC, UNSUNG DUO; EVEN WHILE I WAS-AMONG OTHER THINGS-A "BEATLE-MANIAC!!!
@alvinwconstantine72
SHOWS YOU HAVE AN EAR FOR GOOD VOICES ANND GREAT MUSIC!!!!!!
@lawless2321
Divorce music