After appearing in Vaudeville theater with her sisters, Judy was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a teenager. There she made more than two dozen films, including nine with Mickey Rooney, and the film with which she would be most identified, "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). After 15 years, Judy was released from the studio but gained renewed success through record-breaking concert appearances, including a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall concert, a well-regarded but short-lived television series, and a return to film acting beginning with "A Star Is Born" (1954).
Despite her professional triumphs, Judy battled personal problems throughout her life. Insecure about her appearance, her feelings were compounded by film executives who told her she was unattractive and overweight. Plied with drugs to control her weight and increase her productivity, Garland endured a decades-long struggle with addiction. Garland was plagued by financial instability, often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes, and her first four of five marriages ended in divorce. She attempted suicide on a number of occasions. Garland died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 47, leaving children Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft.
Legacy
Judy Garland's legacy as a performer and a personality has endured long after her death. The American Film Institute named Garland eighth among the "Greatest Female Stars of All Time". She has been the subject of over two dozen biographies since her death, including the well-received "Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir" by her daughter, Lorna Luft. Luft's memoir was later adapted into the multiple award-winning television mini-series, "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows", which won Emmy Awards for two actresses portraying Garland (Tammy Blanchard and Judy Davis).
Garland was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Several of her recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. These include "Over the Rainbow," which was ranked as the number one movie song of all time in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Songs" list. Four more Garland songs are featured on the list: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (#76), "Get Happy" (#61), "The Trolley Song" (#26), and "The Man That Got Away" (#11).
Judy Garland has twice been honored on U.S. postage stamps, in 1989 (as Dorothy) and again in 2006 (as Vicki Lester from A Star Is Born).
Smile
Judy Garland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 there'll be tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
If you'll
Light up your face with gladness
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'll just
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'll just
Smile
The lyrics of Judy Garland's song Smile are an ode to the importance of positivity and perseverance in the face of sadness and adversity. The song encourages the listener to smile, no matter the pain they may be feeling, for there will always be a tomorrow and a chance for happiness to return. The first verse conveys the message that smiling can help one get through tough times, while the second verse encourages one to hide their sadness and keep trying, as life is still worthwhile.
Garland's original version of Smile was actually created for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin film, Modern Times, but was not used in the final cut. The song was later published and became widely popular, particularly during World War II as a symbol of hope in difficult times. One of the most notable renditions of the song was performed by Nat King Cole in 1954, which became a hit and cemented Smile's status as a classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Smile though your heart is aching
Continue to wear your smile even though your heart is burdened with pain.
Smile, even though it's breaking
Try to smile even if it's difficult because of the pain you are experiencing.
When there are clouds, in the sky, you'll get by
When life becomes difficult, hold on to hope for better days.
If you smile, through your fear and sorrow
When you are facing your day with uncertainty and sadness, keep wearing your smile through it all.
Smile, and there'll be tomorrow
When you are happy, there is always a chance for a better future. Try to keep a positive outlook.
You'll see the sun come shining through
You will definitely find some light at the end of the tunnel if you hold on to a positive attitude.
Light up your face with gladness
Always try to wear a happy face wherever you go.
Hide every trace of sadness
Never let your sadness show on your face.
Although a tear, may be ever so near
You might be feeling emotional, but try to conceal it from others.
That's the time, you must keep on trying
During tough times, try harder to stay strong and positive.
Smile, what's the use of crying?
Don't cry over spilled milk. Smiling will be more productive.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
Even though life is tough, there is still much beauty to explore and experience.
If you'll just
If only you would try.
Light up your face with gladness
Wear your smile with positivity.
Hide every trace of sadness
Keep your pain to yourself.
Although a tear, may be ever so near
Even if you are about to cry, try holding back your tears.
That's the time, you must keep on trying
During your most difficult moments, don't give up. Try even harder.
Smile, what's the use of crying?
Never let sadness weigh you down. Keep trying and smiling instead.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
Life is still wonderful, even if you have to go through tough times.
If you'll just
All it takes is for you to
Smile
Smile!!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: John Turner, Geoffrey Parsons, Charles Chaplin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Mcgarry
Her voice and talent were staggering...I loved Judy.
richard gornalle
Her performances certainly made me smile. This is a magical moment.
charleswtriplett
This is just about my all time favorite Garland performance :)
Noe Berengena
You picked a good one!
Bob Orrahood
@Stephen DiPrete Thanks for the feedback!
Bob Orrahood
charleswtriplett, This WAS the best live video of this but now this version has the intro and the whole first verse cut out. Why? I don’t think it’s because whoever uploaded this thought they’d just start it at the second verse plus second verse with key change.
Troy Ann Boyle
My favorite singer and entertainer. Love her. Rest in peace, sweet Judy. You gave us so much joy. Still do.
justme_mare
There will never be another entertainer like Judy. She was brilliant and magical. When she sang, she touched your heart to it's very core.
mickeymouse2able
Oh my God. This is too much. So good. Thank you, just thank you
Noe Berengena
This lady had the extraordinary gift of becoming the song she was singing.
Like a mere handful of great singers, Judy was an actor (actress) who performed in song.
Besides her incredible voice, her face and hands are absolutely riveting.