Written for Thursday Inspiration #304 –
“evil”. Here’s my inspired response.

For this week’s Thursday Inspiration prompt, Jim Adams asks us to respond to the challenge by using the prompt word ‘evil’, referring to the song “Smiling Faces Sometimes” by The Undisputed Truth or another one of their songs, or another song that mentions smile or smiling, or anything else we feel fits. I’ve chosen a song about a guy who’s trying to coax a girl into smiling for him after her boyfriend hurt her badly and dumped her.
My featured song this week is “Smile A Little Smile For Me” by The Flying Machine, a British bubblegum pop band active from 1969 to 1971. They were best known for this song which reached #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. The band was formed from members of an earlier band, Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours; their success in the U.S. contrasted with their lack of chart success in the UK.
“Smile A Little Smile For Me” tells the story of a man trying to comfort a young woman named Rosemarie who is heartbroken after a breakup. The narrator encourages Rosemarie to smile despite the pain of the breakup. He tells her that while this relationship is over, she is now free to find new love and that there are many other potential partners out there for her. The song has a sweet and charming yet direct tone as the narrator advises Rosemarie to look to a brighter future.
On a personal note, I have a special fondness for this song as my sister’s name is Rosemarie.
This is “Smile A Little Smile For Me” by The Flying Machine
LYRICS
… You really should accept
This time he’s gone for good
He’ll never come back now
Even though he said he would
So, darling, dry your eyes
So many other guys
Would give the world I’m sure
To wear the shoes he wore
… Oh, c’mon smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
Where’s the use in cryin’?
In a little while you’ll see, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin’
I know that he hurt you bad
I know, darling, don’t be sad and
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
… I guess you’re lonely now
Love’s comin’ to an end
But, darling, only now
Are you free to try again
Lift up your pretty chin
Don’t let those tears begin
You’re a big girl now
And you’ll pull through somehow
… Oh, c’mon smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
Where’s the use in cryin’?
In a little while you’ll see, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin’
I know that he hurt you bad
I know, darling, don’t be sad and
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
… Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Tony Macaulay/Geoff Stephens
Smile a Little Smile for Me lyrics © Unichappell Music Inc.
Many thanks to Jim Adams for this week’s inspiration. Thanks to all of you for stopping by for a look and a listen.
That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎
NAR©2025
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Always liked that song.
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Me too …. a real blast from the past.
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It did have a catchy tune!
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You’ll be humming all day!
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This is an oldie but a goodie. Haven’t heard it in forever!
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One of the joys of including a soundtrack for my writing is receiving comments like yours and knowing the music is enjoyed. Thanks!
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I’ve not heard this in a while! The lyrics are lovely, I smiled a little smile.
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And I’m smiling now! Thanks, dear Keith.
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Haven’t heard this for ages, thanks for the flashback!!!
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My pleasure, Dawg! So glad you enjoyed this blast from the past!
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“Smile, and the world smiles with you; cry, and you cry alone”
The original quote “Laugh and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone” is found in Ella Wheeler’s poem “Solitude”, published in 1883.
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Excellent quote and sadly true. Thanks, my friend. 🥰
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😄 my smily pleasure, Nancy 😍😄
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😀
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When I saw the name of the band, I thought of James Taylor, but he was in another group that had the same name. Nice choice, Nancy and I hope Rosemarie is able to smile again.
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Really? I didn’t know that about James Taylor.
Thanks, Jim. No one should waste their life pining over someone who doesn’t want them. I think Rosemarie will be smiling again, possibly with the singer in this song. Thanks, Jim; this was a good Inspiration.
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I remember them being one hit wonders here as Pinkerton’s but not this. It sounds very much like something else, I just can’t put my finger on what it is!
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That can be said for a lot of songs. If you figure it out, let me know. 🎶
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True!
If only I could work out what it is 🤣
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The other day, I forgot a word. It took me a few minutes before I remembered it. It’s all downhill from here on out! 😂
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🤣
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Sweet lyrics. 💗 Thank you for sharing, DJ Nancy. 🎶
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My pleasure, Michele. Enjoy! 🎶
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😊
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Nancy, thanks for bringing this song back to me. I love it. A genuinely comforting song. Not considering he’s anything but sincere 🙂
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A pleasure, Lisa. It’s a throwback and I love it too.
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