Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
Smile
Tony Bennett 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 fears and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
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 just smile
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 just smile
Tony Bennett's song "Smile" is a call to hope and perseverance during tough times. The opening lyrics encourage the listener to keep smiling, even if their heart is aching and breaking. When the sky is cloudy and fears and sorrows are present, smiling can help push through those emotions. The lyrics suggest that by keeping a positive attitude and smiling, the sun will come out and brighten the day.
The second part of the song notes the importance of hiding sadness and trying to remain positive when tears are near. The chorus repeats the message that even in the face of hardship, it's important to keep trying and smiling because life is still worthwhile. The lyrics remind us to focus on the good in life, rather than dwelling on the negative.
Overall, the song speaks to the power of perspective and the importance of maintaining resilience during difficult times. It offers a message of hope and encouragement to anyone feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Line by Line Meaning
Smile though your heart is aching
Put on a smile even if you feel pain in your heart
Smile even though it's breaking
Wear a smile even when it's hard to continue
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
You can persevere through hard times if you maintain a positive outlook
If you smile through your fears and sorrow
If you stay hopeful and cheerful despite your worries and grief
Smile and maybe tomorrow
A smile may give you the strength to face tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Optimism and positivity can lead to a bright future
Light up your face with gladness
Make your face bright and cheery with joy
Hide every trace of sadness
Don't let others see your unhappiness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Even if you're on the verge of tears
That's the time you must keep on trying
Don't give up even during difficult moments
Smile, what's the use of crying
Instead of crying, put on a smile and find hope
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
Even during tough times, there is still value in living
If you just smile
A smile can make all the difference in how you feel and how you approach life
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: John Turner, Geoffrey Parsons, Charles Chaplin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mohamed Alaa
Smile tho' your heart is aching
Smile even tho' it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by
If you smile
Thro' your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shin-ing thro' for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide ev-'ry trace of sadness
Altho' 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 worth-while
If you just smile
Stav 🦄
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 your fears and sorrow
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
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 just smile
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 just smile
CaptBara
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 your fears and sorrow
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
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 just smile
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 just smile
Smile
Just smile
Robert Colasacco
When I was a child my dad, who had a beautiful voice, used to sing this to my mom when she was sad. He knew Tony Bennett and this is the version he sang and the recording he played. Mom, BTW, also had a beautiful voice. She'd come into our bedroom every morning and wake us up singing. She died last year at 95, I miss her very very much.
elwood blues
bobby ccccc
Nico Nico
Wow, you just restored a bit my faith in love. I was beginning to think this kind of loving family is just fictional and all real married couples are unhappy, families are unhappy because it seems like most people are toxic narcissists that only enjoy putting others down. Thank you for sharing!
Hermione
💕💕💕💋
Chri8 1988
You are a lucky and blessed person. Thanks for sharing the memories.
Mark Butler
“She’d come into our bedroom every morning and wake us up singing”
What a great memory that must be for you.
Miffysmom
This is definitely the best version of this song ever recorded. The way Tony sings, along with the beautiful orchestration and arrangement, it just doesn't get any better than this.
Julius Maingi
Michael Jackson's version is the best
Katherine Mooney
He was the best at this song!
Kathryn Ward
Wow. You missed a great day.