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Tears of a Clown Lyrics
Oh yeah yeah yeah
Now if there's a smile on 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 different subject
But don't let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Really I'm sad, oh I'm sadder than sad
You're gone and I'm hurting so bad
Like a clown I appear to be glad (sad, sad, sad, sad)
Now they're some sad things known to man
But ain't too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there's no one around, uh
Oh yeah, baby
Now if I appear to be carefree
It's only to camouflage my sadness
And honey 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
'Cause I had to go (why did you go), oh I need you so (I need you so)
Look I'm hurt and I want you to know (want you to know)
For others I put on a show (it's just a show)
Now they're some sad things known to man
But ain't too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there's no one around, uh
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the crowd I try
But in my lonely room I cry
The tears of a clown
When there's no one around, oh yeah, baby
Now if there's a smile on my face
Don't let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Don't let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don't care
'Cause really I'm sad
Now if there's a smile on 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 different subject
Give you the wrong impression
Really I'm sad, oh I'm sadder than sad
You're gone and I'm hurting so bad
Like a clown I appear to be glad (sad, sad, sad, sad)
But ain't too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there's no one around, uh
Oh yeah, baby
It's only to camouflage my sadness
And honey 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
'Cause I had to go (why did you go), oh I need you so (I need you so)
Look I'm hurt and I want you to know (want you to know)
For others I put on a show (it's just a show)
But ain't too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there's no one around, uh
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the crowd I try
But in my lonely room I cry
The tears of a clown
When there's no one around, oh yeah, baby
Now if there's a smile on my face
Don't let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Don't let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don't care
'Cause really I'm sad
Song Info
Submitted by
songmeanings On Feb 06, 2012
More Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Ooo Baby Baby
The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game
If You Can Wait
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town [From The Santa Clause 2]
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There is so much about this song that I have enjoyed ever since I first heard it, long ago: The flute and bassoon; overall instrumental track; Smokey's high, clear voice; the harmonies, and more...but I think what I appreciate most about this tight and, in my opinion, terribly under-appreciated work is its relentless irony. The tune is upbeat and cheery, but the lyrics speak of a tragic stoicism in the face of the heartbreak of a lost love or love interest. The guy is calling himself a clown, for whatever reason, apparently blaming himself for the loss. It's no doubt a tale that plays itself out every day. The track of this song which became the big hit is intelligently, intricately and wonderfully composed - truly a soulful classic.