What was the number one song in the UK on 12th September 1970?
Americans Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, were at number one for 1 week with Tears of a Clown.
Written by Smokey Robinson, Hank Cosby and a certain Stevie Wonder, it is an international multi-million selling single and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee and for very good reason. I personally, absolutely love it. It’s soulful Motown style mixed with a circus sounding vibe all contributes to a song that has both a catchy melody and memorable instrumental track. The song was such a success that it managed to persuade Smokey to stay with the band when he had announced he was going to leave shortly before the song was released.
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 subjectBut 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 gladNow 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
Hmm hmm, oh yeah, babyNow 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 gladnessBut don’t let my show convince you
That I’ve been happy since you
Decided to go
(Decided to go)
Oh, I need you so
(I need you so)
I’m hurt and I want you to know
(I want you to know)
But 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
Oh yeahJust like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the public eye
But in my lonely room I cryThe tears of a clown
When there’s no one around
Oh yeah, babyNow if there’s a smile on my face
Don’t let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impressionDon’t let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don’t care
Really I’m sad
Hurtin’ so bad
The Playlist
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