On top of everything, a great musical composer, Chaplin. Scored a lot of his films.
When I used to play music at the old folks' home, there was a Charlie Chaplin tune I would usually play.
Smile.
I did not really agree with the sentiment which is basically: smile no matter what.
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
I am more a proponent of honesty and claiming your true feelings, whatever they may be. I believe that is a healthier approach.
Hopefully the old folks just gave a shallow listen and thought, yes, smiling - that seems happy - and did not really analyze the lyrics. Could be seen as very depressing in a situation where your friends are constantly dropping dead around you.