Send in the Clowns
When Love Takes Center Stage: Unraveling the Poignant Tale in Bing Crosby's 'Send in the Clowns'
Lyrics
Isn't it rich, are we a pair
Expressing irony or disbelief about the current situation or relationship.
Me here at last on the ground
Describing the speaker's current location on the ground.
You in mid-air
Highlighting the contrast with someone else who is metaphorically in mid-air, possibly detached or distant.
Send in the clowns
Calling for a change in the situation, using "clowns" metaphorically.
Isn't it bliss, don't you approve
Questioning if the current state is perfect and seeking approval.
One who keeps tearing around
Describing someone who is constantly moving around.
One who can't move
Describing someone who is stuck or unable to move.
Where are the clowns
Asking where the metaphorical "clowns" are.
Send in the clowns
Reiterating the call for a change in the situation.
Just when I'd stopped opening doors
Reflecting on the past, mentioning stopped efforts to open doors.
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Finding clarity about the desired person too late.
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Returning to the situation with a distinctive style.
Sure of my lines
Expressing confidence and assurance in one's actions.
No one is there
Realizing that there is no audience or recognition.
Don't you love a farce,
Posing a rhetorical question about enjoying a comedic or absurd situation.
My fault I fear,
Admitting a mistake or responsibility for the current state of affairs.
I thought that you'd want what I want
Misunderstanding the other person's desires or intentions.
Sorry my dear!
Apologizing for the misunderstanding.
But where are the clowns
Repeating the question about the absence of metaphorical "clowns."
There ought to be clowns
Asserting that there should be "clowns" present.
Quick send in the clowns
Urgently requesting the arrival of the metaphorical "clowns."
What a surprise,
Expressing surprise at the unexpected turn of events.
Who could foresee?
Pondering on the unpredictability of the situation.
I'd come to feel about you
Expressing a realization or understanding about the other person's feelings.
What you felt about me?
Questioning the timing of the realization.
Why only now when I see
Expressing surprise at the realization of the other person's detachment.
That you've drifted away?
Recognizing the distance that has developed between the speaker and the other person.
What a surprise,
Reiterating the surprise and using a cliche to emphasize the unexpected nature of the situation.
What a cliche,
Labeling the situation as a common and expected occurrence.
Isn't it rich, isn't it queer
Asking rhetorical questions about the irony or strangeness of the situation.
Losing my timing this late in my career
Expressing a sense of losing timing or opportunity late in life.
And where are the clowns
Repeating the question about the absence of metaphorical "clowns."
Quick send in the clowns
Reiterating the urgent call for the arrival of the metaphorical "clowns."
Don't bother, they're here
Dismissing the need for "clowns" as they are already present or the situation is already absurd.
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