Be a Clown
Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Lennie Hayton
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
I'll remember forever When I was but three Mama, who was clever Remarking to me If son when you're grown up You want everything nice I've got your future sewn up If you take this advice Be a clown, be a clown All the world loves a clown Act the fool, play the calf And you'll always have the last laugh Wear the cap and the bells And you'll rate with all the great swells If you become a doctor, folks'll face you with dread If you become a dentist, they'll be glad when you're dead You'll get a bigger hand if you can stand on your head Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown Be a clown, be a clown All the world loves a clown Show 'em tricks, tell 'em jokes And you'll only stop with top folks Be a crack Jackanapes And they'll imitate you like apes Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears Why be a major poet and you'll owe it for years When crowds'll pay to giggle if you wiggle your ears Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown Be a clown, be a clown All the world loves a clown If you just make 'em roar Watch your Mounte bank account soar Wear a painted mustache And you're sure to make a big splash A college education I should never propose A bachelor's degree won't even keep you in clothes But millions you will win if you can spin on your nose Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown Give 'em quips, give 'em fun And they'll happy to say you're A-1 If you become a farmer you've the weather to buck If you become a gambler you'll be stuck with your luck But Jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Composition"Be a Clown" is a popular song composed by Cole Porter. Porter is considered one of the greatest contributors to the Great American Songbook.
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PerformersThe song was famously performed by renowned actors-dancers Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, among others. Kelly is well-known for his innovations in the film industry regarding dance, and Garland is internationally recognized for her distinctive, powerful voice.
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Film Debut"Be a Clown" was featured for the first time in the 1948 film, "The Pirate," produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
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ReproductionThe song was re-worked into "Make 'em Laugh," which was used in the 1952 musical film "Singin' in the Rain," also starring Gene Kelly. This sparked controversy surrounding the originality of "Make 'em Laugh."
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ImpersonationDuring the song's performance in "The Pirate," Judy Garland, known for her vocal abilities, reportedly does an excellent job lip-synching to Gene Kelly's singing.
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Inspirational QuotesThe lyrics of "Be a Clown" are often quoted in discussions on performance and the entertainment industry. The line, "If you become a dentist, you'll be glad, you'll be a success, But if you get an ulcer, you'll know darn well you're a dentist, not a success," is particularly famous.
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Song Meaning"Be a Clown" is generally regarded as a self-reflexive song about the entertainment industry, examining the gratification and burdens of being a performer.
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ReceptionDespite having been initially overshadowed by other songs in the film, "Be a Clown" is now recognized for its complex choreography and is considered a staple in the Classical Hollywood song-and-dance genre.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, "Be a Clown" has been covered by various artists. It has been performed in many different languages, reinforcing its universal popularity.
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RevivalThe song was revived in the late 1960s and incorporated into a medley by Judy Garland for her television series "The Judy Garland Show."
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Citation
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"Be a Clown Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4674672/Judy+Garland/Be+a+Clown>.
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