Smiles, written in 1917 by J. Will Callahan and Lee S. Roberts, is a song about the happiness brought by a dear one’s smile. We have a special, albeit indirect, attachment to this song, because in front of one cottage at the Bay View Association there’s a sign that declares that this cute little song was written there!
We’ve added a bit of wildness to the original (hoping that Mr. Callahan doesn’t mind too much) by adding a section after the first verse that’s based on the “Charleston” (the 1920’s dance craze). You’ll have fun playing this one – and if you have the wherewithal to add a drummer, it’ll be even more exciting!
This is the 5-8 octave version that we premiered at the 2023 Bay View Week of Handbells.
Dearie, now I know just what makes me love you so,
Just what holds me and enfolds me in its golden glow;
Dearie, now I see ’tis each smile so bright and free,
For life’s sadness turns to gladness when you smile on me.
There are smiles that make us happy / There are smiles that make us blue,
There are smiles that steal away the teardrops as the sunbeams steal away the dew.
There are smiles that have a tender meaning that the eyes of love alone may see,
And the smiles that fill my life with sunshine are the smiles that you give to me.
Dearie, when you smile everything in life’s worthwhile,
Love grows fonder as we wander down each magic mile,
Cheery melodies seem to float upon the breeze,
Doves are cooing while they’re wooing in the leafy trees.
There are smiles that make us happy / There are smiles that make us blue,
There are smiles that steal away the teardrops as the sunbeams steal away the dew.
There are smiles that have a tender meaning that the eyes of love alone may see,
And the smiles that fill my life with sunshine are the smiles that you give to me.
Handbells (five to eight octaves)
Level 5
Preview:
| Single Copy Version: | $5.00 US | |
| Handbell Choir Version: | $30.00 US |
Concert premiere, 2023 Bay View Week of Handbells:
Five-octave video:
Also available for handbells (4-5 octaves, Level 3+).
Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
