Janelle Monáe

Released: August 24, 2007

Songwriter: John Turner Geoffrey Parsons Charlie Chaplin

Producer: Chuck Lightning Control Z Janelle Monáe Big Boi

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 all fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll find 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
Cause 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, you just smile

Although a tear is ever so near
Cause that's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of you crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you, my darling, just, just smile

Smile, darling baby, smile
Thank you, thank you very much

Janelle Monáe Robinson was born December 1, 1985. The daughter of a janitor mother and a truck-driving father, she was raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Being from a hard-working family and a musically bland city, Monáe has always highlighted the under appreciated and the outsider.

After studying across the country at different performing arts schools, she met Antwan “Big Boi” Patton (of Outkast) in Atlanta, Georgia. Her career began to take shape under the guidance of Big Boi and later, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.

Her first breakthrough EP was 2007’s Suite I (The Chase). Critical acclaim followed and was reinforced with her 2010 album, The ArchAndroid. She completed her android-themed trio of albums with her highly-anticipated follow-up, The Electric Lady, in 2013. Her latest album – Dirty Computer – was released in late April 2018 and is her most personal and artistically ambitious album yet.

From the album

Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase) (2007)

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