When You're Smiling
Jimmy Rushing · Other Songs - Jimmy Rushing
He was a kind man,
Helping a fellow along,
One could not see,
One could not walk,
But they both were humming this song;
When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
The sun comes shining through,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,
So stop your sighing be happy again,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you.
I used to worry,
I used to hurry,
Each time it started to rain,
Now I see light,
Learned wrong from right,
And you'll never hear me complain;
When you're smiling, When you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you,
When you're laughing, When you're laughing,
The sun comes shining through,
But when you're crying you bring on the rain,
So stop your sighing be happy again,
Keep on smiling 'cause when you're smiling,
When You're Smiling
Jimmy Rushing, widely celebrated as the 'Man with the Velvet Voice,' was a defining figure in the swing and blues eras. His powerful baritone became synonymous with the Kansas City jazz sound, often anchoring the big band arrangements of Count Basie. 'When You're Smiling' stands as a testament to his ability to convey deep emotion through a standard pop melody. Rushing's interpretation transforms the upbeat composition into a soulful declaration, showcasing his signature warmth and dynamic range. This recording highlights his mastery of phrasing and his capacity to elevate familiar material into something distinctly personal. As a cornerstone of his extensive discography, the track remains a beloved example of his enduring influence on vocal jazz and blues traditions.