I've always thought this song is about the downfall of the clown, someone whose job is to make others happy. "Let's all drink to the death of a clown" means that people either don't care or find pleasure in his demise. Dave extends the scenario to include other circus staff as well, all of whom no longer have their former glory and are struggling with current hardship.
"Nobody needs fortunes told anymore" probably signifies the end of an era, which implies how helpless the circus staffs are against the harsh reality.
I've always thought this song is about the downfall of the clown, someone whose job is to make others happy. "Let's all drink to the death of a clown" means that people either don't care or find pleasure in his demise. Dave extends the scenario to include other circus staff as well, all of whom no longer have their former glory and are struggling with current hardship.
"Nobody needs fortunes told anymore" probably signifies the end of an era, which implies how helpless the circus staffs are against the harsh reality.