[Perna]

When I was a child I really liked this song, sung by Tony Bennett, but my father didn't like and made fun of it. I loved my father so was secretely upset we didn't "agree" on it. Listening to it now after 50 years I understand his point of view but I'm still sad it was "ruined" for me somewhat because he didn't like it. Do you like the philosophy or think it's sappy/wrong to "pretend" things are right when they're not in hopes they'll get better.

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 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

[jacq10]

Yes I think that in some situation's it better to say things are OK or you like them... when in fact you may not so much. Especially with children, I think it's important to encourage them to be able to do what they like (i.e. music, arts, sports) - so long as it's not hurting anyone. At that age, children are trying to find their own sense of autonomy, but aren't quite sure how to do so ... reinforcing their interests helps them to feel validated in some way.

Perna,
Good question. I think it is important that children and adults alike be able to express how they are feeling. Unfortunately, though, adults have to hide how they feel when going to work, etc. I hate it when people tell me that they can't tell that I am in pain, that I am doing a good job of covering it up. I think it scares me but I can't really put my finger on the exact reason why.

This is off topic, but I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your icons I liked the Pearl, and I like your Egyptian theme!

[SeptemberMorn]

As parents, we never know when we're going to say something we think is insignificat to a little one that has hung their star on it.

There's a song I like a lot, in fact, several, and when I told my mom, she said they were awful. She and I hardly ever agreed on much so if the songs were ruined by her disapproval, then everything else has been ruined... and I don't know the difference.

I like the song very much! And I like to words. There are many times it's better to smile through our tears than to dwell on them. If we smile, we attract more possitive things to ourselves and our lives.

My mom used to tell me "there's no sense in crying" but there really is! It's good to cry; long and hard, or just to let the tears trickle down your face. Tears and cleansing. My mom never cried. Then came a time she needed the release and it wouldn't come.

"Smile though your heart is aching"! But take time to let the tears flow, too.

[nowheretorun]

i like the song... i think as long as i'm breathing there is hope... but i'm weird...

there is a flip side to hope you touch on... i once read a book (bad memory) that mentioned a woman in an abusive situation, but she held out hope.. that's hope's flip side..

as a child i remember instances when my music was put down... it affected me but i never held it up to the light just like this...

i'm still holding the theory that all music is good... i began to replace the object (whether loved or hated) of the song to the writers relationship to God (oh God, here he goes again)

[nowheretorun]

reminds me of "the mask" ... there's so many good references here i could use but since its Perna's thread and she likes music... have you heard The Stranger" Billy Joel?

really looks inward on that song...

since i've worked a lot of customer service i got familiar with that cartoon, the one where he pulls about 20 cartoon masks off his face.. oh, memories...

mom said same thing you brought up.. "you covered it up so well" ... too well maybe?

[Perna]

No, I hadn't heard "The Stranger" I don't think:

I was aghast at the poor guy who had to whistle live at the beginning; I can whistle well but wouldn't want to have to do it on demand, LOL

You may never understand
How the stranger is inspired
But he isn't always evil
And he is not always wrong
Though you drown in good intentions
You will never quench the fire
You'll give in to your desire
When the stranger comes along.

My Billy Joel is "And So It Goes":

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

They all have the similar conflict; going "against the grain" as the only hope for getting to the good stuff. You have to turn around and face the monster in the dream or you'll keep getting chased and never develop any self-respect, the only respect that really matters.

[sunrise]

Perna, I read the lyrics to that Tony Bennett song and find I don't like them at all! Maybe it is just where I am in my life right now. I have been in denial for many years about the truth of my marriage and I pretended things were just fine for the sake of continuing. I held out hope someday my husband would not be abusive. It was really stupid. My therapist has got me to see what denial I was in. This song reminds me of being in denial and pain, hiding my feelings for the sake of his happiness, even though he cared nothing about mine. If I had read those lyrics several years ago though, I might have thought they were OK and that they supported the approach I had taken. I would have felt validated perhaps.

Interesting question!

[moodyblu]

I absolutely love that song! Nat King Cole's version is nice too...along with daughter Natalie's. There is never anything wrong...or "sappy" about trying to be positive and hopeful that happiness will arrive by "smiling through your sadness". It's a beautiful song that made me cry like a baby once...when I was very down.
Thanks....D.

[SingDanceRunLife]

I love this song...But I know Josh Groban's version of it.

[SeptemberMorn]

Sing, I read your post and had to listen to the song immediately! What a voice! Sigh! I like it even better now.

It came to me while I was listening, that no matter how bad things get for me, someone can always get a smile out of me... or I use humor to get over some rough spots.

That was great!