The Flying Machine is best known for its major hit single in 1969, "Smile A Little Smile For Me", which peaked at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart (on Kapp Records' Congress record label) Their first record which was self titled was released by Janus Records in 1969. By 12 December that year they had sold a million copies of the record, and it was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. [1] The song was penned by the songwriting pairing of Tony Macaulay and Geoff Stephens. Despite originating from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the record had no presence at all on the UK Singles Chart, despite its initial release there on Pye Records.
A follow-up single, a cover version of "Baby Make It Soon", first recorded by Marmalade, achieved the U.S. Hot 100 the following year, but the group reportedly grew frustrated with their pop-oriented style. A final single, "The Devil Has Possession Of Your Mind", suggested a change of direction, but the Flying Machine split up following its release.
Bassist Colman went on to a successful career as a session musician, record producer and BBC Radio disc jockey.
Band members
* Tony Newman (born 1947, Rugby, Warwickshire, England) - vocals, guitars
* Steve Jones (born 1946, Coventry) - guitars, vocals
* Sam Kempe (born 1946, Rugby) - vocals
* Stuart Colman (Ian Stuart Colman, Harrogate, Yorkshire, 19 December 1944 - 19 April 2018) - bass, electric piano
* Paul Wilkinson (born 1948, Coventry) – drums
* Edie Andrews (born 1945, Detroit, Michigan) - background vocals
Smile a Little Smile for Me
The Flying Machine Lyrics
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This time he's gone for good
He'll never come back now
Even though he said he would
So, darling, dry your eyes
So many other guys
Would give the world I'm sure
To wear the shoes he wore
Oh, come on
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
What's the use in cryin'?
In a little while you'll see, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin'
I know that he hurt you bad
I know, darling, don't be sad and
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
I guess you're lonely now
Love's comin' to an end
But, darling, only now
Are you free to start again
Lift up your pretty chin
Don't let those tears begin
You're a big girl now
And you'll pull through somehow
Oh, come on
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
What's the use in cryin'?
In a little while you'll see, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin'
I know that he hurt you bad
I know, darling, don't be sad and
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
The Flying Machine's song Smile A Little Smile For Me is a comforting tune about heartbreak and moving on. The lyrics open with encouragement to accept that the person who left is not coming back, despite their promises to do so. The singer encourages Rosemarie to dry her eyes and smile because there are many other guys who would be lucky to be with her. The chorus repeats the message of the song, urging Rosemarie to smile, even though it may seem difficult now. The second verse acknowledges the pain that Rosemarie is feeling but reassures her that this is the end of one love, but the start of another. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus.
The song's message of positivity and perseverance in the face of heartbreak was a common theme in the pop music of the late 1960s when Smile A Little Smile For Me was released. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus made it a hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Diana Ross, The Four Seasons, and Tom Jones. Interestingly, the song was originally recorded as a demo and was never meant to be released. The Flying Machine only found out about the song's success when they heard it on the radio.
Line by Line Meaning
You really should accept
It's time to come to terms with the fact that he's gone for good
This time he's gone for good
He's not coming back this time, even though he said he would
He'll never come back now
It's time to move on because he's gone for good
Even though he said he would
He broke his promise and is not coming back
So, darling, dry your eyes
Don't cry, my love
So many other guys
There are plenty of other men out there
Would give the world I'm sure
Many of them would do anything for you
To wear the shoes he wore
To be with you instead of him
Oh, come on
Come on, cheer up
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
Please smile a little smile for me, my dear Rosemarie
What's the use in cryin'?
What good does crying do?
In a little while you'll see, Rosemarie
Things will get better with time, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin'
Don't give up, keep trying
I know that he hurt you bad
I know that he caused you a lot of pain
I know, darling, don't be sad and
I understand, my dear, but please don't be sad
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
Please smile for me, Rosemarie, my dear Rosemarie
I guess you're lonely now
I suppose you're feeling very lonely right now
Love's comin' to an end
Your relationship is ending
But, darling, only now
But my dear, now you're free to start again
Are you free to start again
You're now able to start a new chapter in your life
Lift up your pretty chin
Please lift up your chin and look forward
Don't let those tears begin
Don't start crying again
You're a big girl now
You're a grown woman now
And you'll pull through somehow
You'll overcome this, somehow
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Geoff Stephens, Tony Maaulay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind