In the final scene of Modern Times, Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard, as the hapless Little Tramp and the orphan Ellen, sit on the side of a road after a series of misadventures. They’re at the end of their rope, and she despairs, “What’s the use of trying?” Chaplin himself wrote the poignant music for the scene, which ends the film with them walking together down the road, having pulled themselves together, the Tramp coaxing a smile out of her. Some days it’s easier to smile than others, but we can get to the other side of fear and sorrow.

Nat King Cole, “Smile,” 1954. Music written by Charlie Chaplin, 1936. Lyrics by John Turner & Geoffrey Parsons, 1954.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to early June, 2025.

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