Send In the Clowns
When Love's a Farce: Bryan Ferry's Reflection on Life's Surprises
Lyrics
Isn't it rich, aren't we a pair?
Reflection on the ironic situation, expressing the contrast between the speaker and another person.
Me here at last on the ground
The speaker has arrived, settled, or grounded.
You in mid-air
Contrasts the speaker's groundedness with the other person's metaphorical mid-air existence.
Send in the clowns
Metaphorically asking for the clowns, possibly to bring amusement or provide distraction from the situation.
Isn't it bliss, don't you approve?
Reflecting on the joy or contentment, wondering if the other person shares the sentiment.
One who keeps tearing around
Describing someone else's restless behavior.
One who can't move
Contrasting with the restless person, someone unable to move.
Where are the clowns? Send in the clowns
Repetition of the request for the clowns, possibly implying a need for distraction or entertainment.
Just when I stopped opening doors
The speaker stopped making efforts, possibly towards a relationship or a goal.
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Realization that the person they desired is now with the other.
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Re-entering a situation with confidence and style.
Sure of my lines no one is there
Despite confidence, feeling alone or unnoticed.
Don't you love farce? My fault I hear
Asking if the other person enjoys comedy or situations that are misunderstood.
I thought that you'd want what I want
Misunderstanding the desires or intentions of the other person.
Sorry my dear but where are the clowns?
Expressing surprise at the absence of expected amusement (clowns).
There ought to be clowns, quick send in the clowns
Reiteration of the absence of expected amusement.
What a surprise, who could foresee?
Expressing astonishment or disbelief at an unforeseen circumstance.
I've come to feel about you what you felt about me
Realizing a reversal of feelings between the speaker and the other person.
Why only now when I see that you've drifted away
Questioning the timing of the realization, feeling the distance between them.
What a surprise, what a cliche?
Expressing surprise at the situation, considering it cliché.
Isn't it rich, isn't it queer?
Reflecting on the irony or strangeness of the situation.
Losing my timing this late in my career
Feeling a loss of timing or rhythm in their life or career.
And where are the clowns? Quick send in the clowns
Repetition of the request for clowns, acknowledging their presence now but implying it's too late.
Don't bother they're here
Dismissing the need for clowns, implying their arrival when not needed anymore.
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