Sunshine in a Jar

The song was originally used as an instrumental theme in the movie “Modern Times.” The lyrics were added later by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. Nat King Cole released the first version with lyrics.

I’ve always loved this song. I remember listening to the Holly Cole Trio for hours in the early 90s. I’d lie on the floor and imagine myself sinking into the carpet. The vibrations from the music would enter through my ears. I would feel the shifting notes in my body. And, then I would sing. She carried the song to me.

When I was a teenager I interpreted the song as a way of being in the world. Stiff upper lip. Don’t let your sadness show. Be cheerful all the time. Smile.

I remember watching Robert Downey Jr. in the movie “Chaplin.” I remember thinking about how sad Chaplin was and how this song represented his rock. A touchstone.  A method of travelling out of a pit of darkness. 

I remember singing it at the end of the 90s at a tree planting ceremony at Queen’s University following the Columbine shootings. The song changed its meaning for me then. It was about holding onto hope in a difficult time. It was about finding a way to trust and love and believe in goodness again because the alternative was to hide. To run away. To deny the sadness. To give into the fear.

Now when I hear the song I think about choice. I choose to live in the sunshine. I choose to look for goodness. I choose to think about goodness and build from goodness. Although the song remains as a way of being for me, it isn’t about stuffing my feelings away anymore. It’s about acknowledging them, being with them, and then finding a way to reconnect with my sunshine, my humanity.

For 17 years this song has given me comfort in times of distress. I still close my eyes, sink into the carpet, and sing. And, after some time passes I can smile again.

To me, this song is about sunshine in a jar.

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’ll just

Smile

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