Charlie Chaplin's Smile: Ukulele Solo

Years ago I heard a beautiful arrangement of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" on Ukuele Mike’s Youtube channel. Unfortunately the video is no-longer online. However, his arrangement inspired me to create my own using his as a starting point.

My goal was an arrangement which exposed the simplistic beauty of the song’s timeless melody. Unfortunately while trying to expose the melody I inadvertently exposed my amateur technique. That’s why it has taken several years (4-5?) of idle practice to get this piece to a place where it was fit to record. I hope you enjoy listening to this recording as much as I have enjoy playing it for the last several years:

Audio only:

Tablature of the melody and chord voicings, but not the finger picking: Charlie_Chaplin_Smile_Ukulele.pdf

The lyrics to the song are not used in this recording but are none-the-less an important part of this song:

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 fear 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’ll just Smile