The year is 2009. Inside the massive Staples Center in Los Angeles, the air is incredibly thick and heavy. A beautiful golden casket sits quietly under the lights. The King of Pop is gone. Millions of fans are watching through their televisions with heavy hearts. People in the crowd are crying. But then, a very specific, gentle melody begins to play.
For Michael Jackson, one song captured his entire inner world. It was his final farewell.
Michael Jackson’s casket enters memorial at Staples Center
The song was called “Smile.” It was originally written by his massive idol, Charlie Chaplin. Michael felt a very deep connection to the famous movie star. They both lost their normal childhoods to the harsh entertainment industry. They both knew exactly how to make a crowd laugh and cheer while their own hearts were secretly breaking.
Michael called “Smile” his favorite song of all time. He even dressed up as Chaplin’s famous “Little Tramp” character for a special photoshoot to honor him. The lyrics tell you to light up your face with gladness. They tell you to hide every single trace of sadness. This was the exact story of Michael’s life. He faced massive personal struggles. He dealt with cruel media attacks. But he always put on a brave, magical face for his fans.
Smile – Michael Jackson
Fast forward back to that heavy day at the memorial. If you missed the funeral, this is the exact moment time stood completely still.
His older brother, Jermaine Jackson, stepped up to the microphone. He looked down at the golden casket. He began to sing “Smile” as a final, heartbreaking tribute to his little brother. When Jermaine sang the words, “What’s the use in crying?”, his voice cracked. He almost broke down completely. It was a tragic moment. The man who spent his entire life telling the world to smile was finally resting.
Jermaine Jackson – Smile (Live Performance at Michael Jackson Memorial)
The world can be incredibly tough. Your heart might be completely breaking behind closed doors. But if you can find the strength to share just one warm smile with the people around you, your beautiful light will live on forever.