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‘Tears of a Clown’ by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Smokey Robinson & the Miracles | iHeart

About the Song

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ “Tears of a Clown” is a timeless soul classic that showcases the group’s impeccable harmonies and Robinson’s emotive vocals. Released in 1970, the song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s title is evocative, suggesting a deep sense of sorrow and despair. Robinson sings about a man who is heartbroken and alone, unable to shake off the sadness that has consumed him. The lyrics are filled with poignant imagery and heartfelt expressions of grief.

Robinson’s vocals are a highlight of the song, conveying the pain and anguish of the protagonist. The harmonies between Robinson and the other members of The Miracles are impeccable, adding depth and richness to the song. The instrumentation is understated, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage.

“Tears of a Clown” is a powerful and moving song that has stood the test of time. Its message of heartbreak and loneliness is as relevant today as it was when the song was first released. The song’s timeless melody and soulful vocals have made it a classic of soul music.

Here are some additional points that you could include in your introduction:

  • The song’s historical context: “Tears of a Clown” was released in 1970, during the peak of the Motown era. It was one of the group’s biggest hits.
  • The song’s themes: The song explores themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and despair. It also touches on themes of love, loss, and regret.
  • The song’s musical style: “Tears of a Clown” is a soul song with a catchy melody and a soulful beat. The arrangement is simple yet effective, and the production is high-quality.
  • The song’s cultural impact: “Tears of a Clown” was a groundbreaking song that helped to define the sound of soul music. It also had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing other artists and inspiring countless fans.
  • The song’s legacy: “Tears of a Clown” remains a popular song today. It is often covered by other artists, and it is still played on radio stations around the world.

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES: GOING TO A GO-GO - Classic Motown

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Lyrics: Tears of a Clown

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 hurtin’ so bad
Like a clown I pretend to be glad

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

Oh yeah, baby

Now if I appear to be carefree
It’s only to camouflage my sadness
In order to shield my pride I’ve tried
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
Oh, I need you so
I’m hurt and I want you to know
But for others I put on a show

Oh, there’s some sad things known to man
But there 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 sadness hid
Smiling in the public eye
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
Really, I’m sad
Hurtin’ so bad

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SHE WAS A BRIDE AT FIFTEEN, A MOTHER AT SIXTEEN, AND THE FIRST WOMAN NASHVILLE EVER HAD TO CALL “ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR” — THEN SHE NAMED HER BABY AFTER THE BEST FRIEND SHE’D JUST BURIED, AND THAT BABY SPENT A LIFETIME MAKING SURE NEITHER VOICE WAS FORGOTTEN. Loretta Lynn came out of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, with nothing but a coal miner’s last name and a voice that could pin a grown man to his chair. Married before she could drive. Four children by twenty-two. Then she wrote songs that scared Nashville half to death — about cheating husbands, birth control pills, and women who’d had enough. Sixteen number-ones. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The whole world calling her the Coal Miner’s Daughter. In 1963, her best friend Patsy Cline died in a plane crash. The next year, Loretta gave birth to twins. She named one of them Patsy. That little girl grew up backstage, between tour buses and honky-tonks. She formed The Lynns with her twin sister Peggy. Earned CMA nominations. Then she did something quieter and heavier — she stepped behind the glass and co-produced her mother’s final albums alongside Johnny Cash’s son. Loretta died October 4, 2022. That first birthday without her, Patsy woke up reaching for a phone call that wasn’t coming — her mama singing “Happy Birthday,” the way she always had. Does knowing Loretta named her daughter after a ghost she never stopped grieving make “I Fall to Pieces” feel like it belongs to both of them now?

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SHE WAS A BRIDE AT FIFTEEN, A MOTHER AT SIXTEEN, AND THE FIRST WOMAN NASHVILLE EVER HAD TO CALL “ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR” — THEN SHE NAMED HER BABY AFTER THE BEST FRIEND SHE’D JUST BURIED, AND THAT BABY SPENT A LIFETIME MAKING SURE NEITHER VOICE WAS FORGOTTEN. Loretta Lynn came out of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, with nothing but a coal miner’s last name and a voice that could pin a grown man to his chair. Married before she could drive. Four children by twenty-two. Then she wrote songs that scared Nashville half to death — about cheating husbands, birth control pills, and women who’d had enough. Sixteen number-ones. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The whole world calling her the Coal Miner’s Daughter. In 1963, her best friend Patsy Cline died in a plane crash. The next year, Loretta gave birth to twins. She named one of them Patsy. That little girl grew up backstage, between tour buses and honky-tonks. She formed The Lynns with her twin sister Peggy. Earned CMA nominations. Then she did something quieter and heavier — she stepped behind the glass and co-produced her mother’s final albums alongside Johnny Cash’s son. Loretta died October 4, 2022. That first birthday without her, Patsy woke up reaching for a phone call that wasn’t coming — her mama singing “Happy Birthday,” the way she always had. Does knowing Loretta named her daughter after a ghost she never stopped grieving make “I Fall to Pieces” feel like it belongs to both of them now?

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