Can sad music be uplifting? “Smile” and “Rejoice”

Joyful music can lift our spirits, but can sad music have the same impact?

In an interview with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Josh Groban shared a story about how he was asked to sing the song “Smile” at a wedding and he responded by asking the person making the request to consider the lyrics of the song. Despite the title, “Smile” is a sad song, encouraging us to push through sad times in anticipation of a better future.  Here is an excerpt:

“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”

The melody was composed by Charlie Chaplin as a soundtrack for his film Modern Times, which was released in 1936, during the Great Depression, when people were desperately in need of a message of hope. The message was conveyed through the movie scenes and the music, as the words were not added till 1954, when John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons came up with the lyrics, based on themes from Chaplin’s film.

 Lyrics or music?

“Smile” is an example of how music, even sad-sounding songs, can lift our spirits. This raises the question – what characteristics of a musical piece lead us to decide it’s a “sad” song – the lyrics or the melody? In Western music, at least, minor keys are associated with sadness and major keys are associated with a happy feeling. But does this always apply?

There are several examples of songs that have “happy” lyrics but are in minor keys and vice versa. The song “Happy” by Pharell Williams is an example of a happy song in a minor key (at least part of the song is in F minor) and “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan is an example of a sad song in a major key.

An example from sacred music   

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is possibly the oldest Christmas carol still sung today. It is believed to have been written by a monk or priest prior to 800 AD.

The tune Veni Emmanuel is believed to have originated in a 15^th century French processional melody that was used during funerals. John Mason Neale, an Anglican priest, scholar and hymnwriter, came across a 1610 publication that contained the words of the Latin chant, “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel.” He translated the text to English, resulting in a version that started with the words “Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel.” The song was later shortened from seven to five verses and titled “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Rejoicing in a Minor Key

O Come, O Come Emmanuel is in a minor key and has a sad, almost haunting sound, yet the word “Rejoice” is repeated several times. We are encouraged to rejoice in the anticipation of the coming Savior.

The words “Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight” speak of hope in the midst of troubled times, just like the text from “Smile” quoted above. Despite the sad sound of this song, its overall message is one of hope and anticipation, and we are called to rejoice.

So, yes, whether it’s secular music or a song celebrating Advent and Christmas, music can and does bring us joy, even when it’s in a minor key!

To learn more about the stories behind Christmas carols, you can check out my book, “I Played My Best for Him! The Inspiring Stories Behind the Little Drummer Boy and Other Christmas Favorites.”

You can listen to the songs on Spotify, or your favorite listening platform.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

1.O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

2.O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

3.O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

4.O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

5.O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.