In 1946, McCurdy began singing folksongs over the Canadian Broad casting Corporation radio system. In 1952, he began writing and performing for children's program's in radio and television, continuing to utilize folkmusic at every opportunity. Since late 1954, he has been living in New York City, and has appeared frequently in Televisions broadcasts for both adults and children originating from that city.
McCurdy is accompanied on second guitar, and banjo, by ERIK DARLING, an Upstate New Yorker who has been working out of New York City in recent years. Mr. Darling has made numerous recordings as a banjoist and singer, both as a solo performer and as an accompanist. He has performed extensively in concerts, and on television and radio, including several years on Oscar Brand's "Folksong Festival" over station WNYC. His most recent musical adventure has been performing as all integral part of an exciting new folksong trio, "The Tarriers", in whose success his instrumental and vocal talents have played an important role.
McCurdy died March 23, 2000
S-M-I-L-E
Ed McCurdy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E
So smile when you're in trouble
It will vanish like a bubble
If you'll only take the trouble, just to S-M-I-L-E
It isn't any trouble just to G-R-I-N, grin
It isn't any trouble just to G-R-I-N, grin
It will vanish like a bubble
If you'll only take the trouble just to G-R-I-N, grin!
It isn't any trouble just to Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
It isn't any trouble just to Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
So Ha! Ha! when you're in trouble
It will vanish like a bubble
If you'll only take the trouble just to Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Ed McCurdy's song "S-M-I-L-E" is an upbeat and jaunty tune that sends a clear message: no matter what trouble or difficulty one may find themselves in, it's always possible to turn it around simply by smiling, laughing, and keeping a positive outlook. The song's simple and repetitive lyrics emphasize the universality of this message, as does the catchy melody, which is easy to remember and easy to sing along to.
The song begins with the line "Oh it isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E" repeated twice, driving home the point that smiling is something we can all do effortlessly even in tough times. The next two stanzas urge the listener to "grin" and "Ha! Ha!" as well, each time reinforcing the idea that a positive attitude can make even the most daunting challenges seem less daunting.
In essence, "S-M-I-L-E" is a reminder to keep things in perspective, to find joy in the midst of difficulty, and to endure with a happy heart. The song is a timeless classic that has been covered by a wide variety of musicians, and its message remains as relevant today as it did when it was first written.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh it isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E
It's not difficult at all to smile.
It isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E
It's still not difficult at all to smile.
So smile when you're in trouble
When you're in trouble, try to smile.
It will vanish like a bubble
Your trouble will disappear like a bubble.
If you'll only take the trouble, just to S-M-I-L-E
Just make an effort to smile during difficult times.
It isn't any trouble just to G-R-I-N, grin
It's not difficult at all to grin.
So grin when you're in trouble
When in trouble, you should try to grin.
If you'll only take the trouble just to G-R-I-N, grin!
It's worth attempting to grin when things are tough.
It isn't any trouble just to Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
It's easy to laugh.
So Ha! Ha! when you're in trouble
Try laughing when facing a problem.
If you'll only take the trouble just to Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
It can help to put in the effort to laugh when things are difficult.
Writer(s): LEE S. ROBERTS, J. WILL CALLAHAN
Contributed by Jacob E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.