Michael Jackson's Smile Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety affects countless people for many reasons. Stress balls, exercise, reading and watching a favorite program are several ways to forget what is bugging you, but my favorite is listening to music. Getting lost in a good song makes me put out of my mind what it was that was bothering me in the first place and leaves me free to drift to a happy place. Lately I have turned to the one and only King of Pop and there will never be another one like him.

Michael Jackson is the owner of numerous number one hits and has the number one selling album of all time with "Thriller." His music is original as well as his videos. He has opened doors, accepted everyone and has been the inspiration for many of the artists currently working in the industry. His accomplishment over his career has beyond doubt earned him his title, the King of Pop. Never wanting to turn his back on someone in need; he truly was the "Man in the Mirror." There is not a single song that I can honestly say is not good as they are all my favorites.

However it is "Smile" that has quickly turned out to be my comfort song. It's soft melody and powerful lyrics have developed into my safe haven whenever I am down. Jackson's voice in this song is smooth and commanding as he belts it out. He leaves out all the little extra flares that I love so much in his other work. Whenever I listen to it I feel that he is singing it straight from his heart. My favorite lyrics when listening to the song on my ipod are at the middle when he croons;

Although a tear maybe 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 worth while,

If you just 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 find that life is still worthy while,

If you just smile.

From the beginning when the violins start, followed by the chimes to the gentle la la da da's to a piano tune, it is like a lullaby that calms me and puts me in a relaxed state of mind. I'll admit the first few times, I bawled like a hungry man that got to the buffet too late. It is overall a beautiful song and according to Jermaine Jackson, who honored his brother by singing it at his memorial service, it was Michael's favorite.