The context of the film as well as the scene that features the instrumental itself is important. this is where Turner and Parsons first found the inspiration for the lyrics and song title. In conclusion, the history of the song “Smile” is one where the tramp is trying to get The Gamin to cheer up and smile.

Nat King Cole recorded the first version with lyrics. It charted in 1954, reaching number 10 on the Billboard charts and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. This version was also used at the beginning of the 1975 movie Smile.

"Smile" is the debut single by British recording artist Lily Allen from her debut studio album Alright, Still (2006). It was written by Allen, Iyiola Babalola and Darren Lewis, while sampling the Soul Brothers' "Free Soul". The song was released as the lead mainstream single of the album in July 2006.

Charlie Chaplin composed the melody for “Smile” for “Modern Times” (1936), one of six Chaplin films selected for preservation by the National Film Registry, with lyrics added in 1954 by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.