I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Now if there's a smile upon my face
it's only there trying to fool the public
but when it comes down to fooling you
now honey that's quite a diff'rent subject
Don't let my glad expression
give you the wrong impression really I'm sad
Oh, sadder than sad, you're gone and I'm hurting so bad
like a clown I pretend to be glad
Now there's some sad things known to man
but ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown, when there's no one around
Oh yeah, baby,
Now if I appear to be carefree,
it's only to camouflage my sadness
in order to shield my pride
I try to cover this hurt with a show of gladness
But Don't let my show convince you
that I've been happy since you decided to go,
I need you so, I'm hurt and I want you to know
but for others I put on a show
Now there's some sad things known to man
but ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown,
when there's no one around
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my sadness hid
smiling in the public eye
but in my lonely room I cry
the tears of a clown
Oh, yeah baby
Now, if there's a smile on my face
Don't let my glad expression
Give you a wrong impression
Don't let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don't care
Now there's some sad things known to man
but ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown, when there's no one around
it's only there trying to fool the public
but when it comes down to fooling you
now honey that's quite a diff'rent subject
Don't let my glad expression
give you the wrong impression really I'm sad
Oh, sadder than sad, you're gone and I'm hurting so bad
like a clown I pretend to be glad
Now there's some sad things known to man
but ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown, when there's no one around
Oh yeah, baby,
Now if I appear to be carefree,
it's only to camouflage my sadness
in order to shield my pride
I try to cover this hurt with a show of gladness
But Don't let my show convince you
that I've been happy since you decided to go,
I need you so, I'm hurt and I want you to know
but for others I put on a show
Now there's some sad things known to man
but ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown,
when there's no one around
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my sadness hid
smiling in the public eye
but in my lonely room I cry
the tears of a clown
Oh, yeah baby
Now, if there's a smile on my face
Don't let my glad expression
Give you a wrong impression
Don't let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don't care
Now there's some sad things known to man
but ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown, when there's no one around
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Tears of a Clown Lyrics as written by Stevie Wonder William Jr. Robinson
Lyrics © SMV Schacht Musikverlage GmbH & Co. KG, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.