About the song
## Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – The Tears of a Clown (1965)
“The Tears of a Clown” is a timeless ballad by the legendary Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, released in 1965. It’s a song that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide, and its enduring popularity speaks to its universal themes and emotional depth.
At its core, “The Tears of a Clown” is a story about hidden pain. The song paints a vivid picture of a man who, on the outside, appears happy and carefree. He’s a clown, a performer who brings joy to others. But beneath his cheerful facade lies a well of sorrow. The lyrics explore the contrast between the public persona and the private anguish, a theme that resonates with many who have felt the weight of emotional burdens.
The melody of the song is both haunting and beautiful. Smokey Robinson’s soulful vocals convey the character’s pain with raw authenticity. The arrangement is sparse, allowing the singer’s voice and the poignant lyrics to take center stage. The use of minor chords and a descending bassline adds to the melancholy atmosphere.
One of the song’s most striking features is its ability to evoke empathy. The lyrics are written in a way that allows listeners to connect with the character’s experiences on a personal level. We can all relate to the feeling of hiding our true emotions, of putting on a brave face when we’re hurting inside. The song’s message is universal, transcending cultural and generational boundaries.
“The Tears of a Clown” is a testament to the power of music to touch the soul. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with audiences of all ages. Smokey Robinson’s performance is nothing short of masterful, and the song’s timeless message of hidden pain and resilience makes it a true classic.
Video
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, 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, mm
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 (why did you go?)
Oh, I need you so (I need you so)
I’m hurt and I want you to know (want you to know)
But for others, I put on a show, ooh, oh (it’s just a show)
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
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the public, I
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
When really, I’m sad
Hurtin’ so bad