Essay: I'll Never Smile Again

 "I'll Never Smile Again" is a song written by Ruth Lowe, who wrote it in memory of her late husband, Harold. It was written in 1939, just before the start of the Second World War. It became a huge it after Tommy Dorsey, a famous Jazz artist, recorded the song with the Pied Pipers and the then unknown Frank Sinatra.

 The song is sad, mournful, and slightly depressing. I think that Ruth had decided to write her feelings into the song, in the hope to make herself feel better. She said that she'd "never smile again without Harold", which is stated in the lyrics:

"I'll never smile again until I smile at you
 I'll never laugh again, what good would it do?"

 She wrote the song mainly in memory of her husband, Harold (who died during surgery) and in the memory of others who had died. She knew her situation wasn't unusual, and so she made the song universal, as it would help her listeners relate to the song.

  The song was written in 1939, just before the start of the second World War. When it was first played on the radio many people, mainly those who had survived the first World War, could relate to it. People born between the two wars would have been able to imagine the pain and sorrow that the song was about
 Once the planet plunged into the Second World War everyone could relate to the song. I think that everyone could properly appreciate the song, as many fathers husbands and sons were out fighting, and news wasn't always fast. It would've been the same for the men at war, as they thought about their friends and family back at home. I think it's possible that the timing of the song's release and the was possibly coincidental, but perhaps it was a way of the Universe sending something to help people through the war.

  "We thank Ruth Lowe for her contribution and support during the trying periods that all of us have faced at one time or another."

 Tommy Dorset recorded the song in 1940, with the Pied Pipers and a very young Frank Sinatra doing vocals. Soon after the song was released a rumour spread around, claiming that Ruth's husband was a Canadian airman killed in action, and that Ruth had written the song in his memory. It was an indestructible rumour which made the song popular, and I assume it would have became firmly set after Frank Sinatra referred to Ruth's husband as a Canadian airman. I think it would've seemed more romantic than the actual reason behind his death, which was why more people were attracted to the song.

 While this song is still considered a universal nod to those in mourning, I feel that this song has been forgotten. Which is sad, when one remembers why it was written.