About the song
**”The Tracks of My Tears”** is a quintessential R&B classic that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original release. Written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin, this song was first recorded by The Miracles and released on Motown’s Tamla label in 1965. Its impact was immediate and profound, making it one of the standout tracks of the era. The song’s rich blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics captured the essence of emotional vulnerability, earning it a permanent place in the pantheon of great music.
“The Tracks of My Tears” is celebrated for its poignant expression of heartbreak and longing. The lyrics, steeped in the pain of a romantic breakup, are delivered with a mix of resignation and wistfulness that has made the song a timeless favorite. The Miracles’ version of the track reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its initial lack of success in the UK upon its first release, it later climbed to number 9 on the UK Singles Chart when reissued in 1969.
The song features one of the most iconic guitar intros in pop history, crafted by Marv Tarplin, whose instrumental licks set the stage for Smokey Robinson’s emotive lead vocals. The production, helmed by Robinson alongside the Funk Brothers and augmented by orchestral elements, creates a lush soundscape that complements the song’s heartfelt narrative. The track also benefits from the vocal harmonies of Claudette Rogers Robinson, Pete Moore, Ronnie White, and Bobby Rogers, whose contributions enrich the song’s emotional depth.
Over the years, “The Tracks of My Tears” has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and preserved by the United States Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 50 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and, in 2021, declared it “The Greatest Motown Song of All Time.” Additionally, it was ranked number 127 on the list of “Songs of the Century” compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The song’s influence extends beyond the charts, having been covered by numerous artists and featured in various media. Its emotional resonance and timeless quality continue to endear it to new generations of listeners. The Miracles’ recording of “The Tracks of My Tears” stands as a testament to their artistic legacy and remains a celebrated piece of musical history.
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Lyrics
… Tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do do do do
People say I’m the life of the party
‘Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I’m blue
So take a good look at my face
You’ll see my smile looks out of place
… If you look closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I’m having fun
Although she may be cute
… She’s just a substitute
Because you’re the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
Oh, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
If you look a little bit closer, it’s easy to trace
Oh, the tracks of my tears
… Oh, I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Hey yeah, outside I’m masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
Just a clown oh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my make up
… I wear since my break up with you
Baby, take a good look at my face
Oh, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
Yeah, just look closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears, baby baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, take a good look at my face
Yeah, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
Ooh, look a little bit closer, it’s easy to trace