Tears of a Clown

Smokey Robinson

About Tears of a Clown

"The Tears of a Clown" is a song written by Hank Cosby, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder and originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles for the Tamla Records label subsidiary of Motown, first appearing on the 1967 album Make It Happen. It was re-released in the United Kingdom as a single in July 1970, and it became a #1 hit on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending 12 September 1970. Subsequently, Motown released "The Tears of a Clown" as a single in the United States as well, where it quickly became a #1 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles charts. This song is an international multi-million seller and a 2002 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. Its success led Miracles lead singer, songwriter, and producer Smokey Robinson, who had announced plans to leave the act, to stay until 1972. 


Year:
1973
2:59
34 
#1

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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

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Smokey Robinson

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and front man of the popular Motown vocal group The Miracles, for which he also served as the group's chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as The Five Chimes until 1972 when he announced a retirement from the stage to focus on his role as Motown's vice president. more »

1 fan

Written by: William Jr. Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Henry Cosby

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"The Tears of a Clown" was released in the United States as a single in 1970, despite being recorded two years earlier in 1967.
Album Appearance
Initially, the song was featured on the 1967 album "Make It Happen" by The Miracles.
Song Origin
Although Smokey Robinson and The Miracles had numerous hits before, "Tears of a Clown" was actually based on an instrumental track by Stevie Wonder and his producer Hank Cosby.
Writing Credits
The song was co-written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby.
Chart Success
Upon its 1970 release, the song quickly rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the USA and UK Singles Chart towards the end of the same year, making it the band's first UK No. 1 hit.
Name Inspiration
Robinson noted that the song's name was inspired by the Italian opera Pagliacci, which is about a clown who must make his audience laugh while he weeps behind his makeup due to heartbreak.
Last Single
Given that it was such a huge success, "The Tears of a Clown" was the last single released by Smokey Robinson with the Miracles before he decided to pursue a solo career.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2002, the song was induced into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "The Tears of a Clown," including Phil Collins and The Beat, due to its enduring popularity.
Song Message
The lyrics focus on maintaining a happy appearance while hiding feelings of sadness, an analogy to the life of a circus clown.

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