The Tears of a Clown
Unveiling the Mask: The Bittersweet Tale of Hidden Sorrow
Lyrics
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah
Expression of agreement and acknowledgement.
Now if there's a smile on my face
Introduction to the facade of a smile on the singer's face.
It's only there trying to fool the public
The smile is a deception for the public's benefit.
But when it comes down to fooling you
The deception doesn't extend to fooling someone special.
Now honey that's quite a different subject
Highlighting the difference when dealing with personal emotions.
But don't let my glad expression
Cautioning against misinterpreting the singer's joyful appearance.
Give you the wrong impression
Emphasizing the contrast between the external expression and internal sadness.
Really I'm sad, oh, I'm sadder than sad
Revealing the true emotional state - deep sadness.
You're gone and I'm hurting so bad
Expressing the pain of separation.
Like a clown I appear to be glad (sad, sad, sad, sad)
Comparing the singer's facade to that of a clown.
Now, there's some sad things known to man
Introducing universal sorrows but emphasizing a unique sadness.
But ain't too much sadder than
Stating that nothing is sadder than the tears of a clown.
The tears of a clown when there's no one around, mm
Describing the profound sadness when no one is around.
Oh, yeah, baby
Expressing a poignant emotion.
Now if I appear to be carefree
Explaining that appearing carefree is a camouflage for sadness.
It's only to camouflage my sadness
Revealing the purpose of the carefree appearance.
In order to shield my pride, I try
Using a show of gladness to hide the hurt and protect pride.
To cover this hurt with a show of gladness
Highlighting the depth of the emotional cover-up.
But don't let my show convince you
Warning against believing in the facade.
That I've been happy since you
Clarifying that happiness hasn't been genuine since the departure.
Decided to go (why did you go?)
Pondering the reason for the departure.
Oh, I need you so (I need you so)
Expressing a deep need for the departed person.
I'm hurt and I want you to know (want you to know)
Communicating the intensity of hurt and the desire for understanding.
But for others, I put on a show, ooh, oh (it's just a show)
Mentioning the pretense for the sake of others.
There's some sad things known to man
Reiterating the universality of sorrow.
But ain't too much sadder than
Emphasizing the unparalleled sadness of a clown's tears.
The tears of a clown, when there's no one around, oh, yeah
Repeating the theme of loneliness and tears.
Just like Pagliacci did
Referring to Pagliacci, an opera character who conceals sorrow with humor.
I try to keep my surface hid
Sharing the strategy of hiding true feelings.
Smiling in the public, I
Smiling in public to maintain an appearance.
But in my lonely room, I cry
Contrasting the public smile with private tears.
The tears of a clown
Repeating the theme of the profound sadness when alone.
When there's no one around, oh, yeah, baby
Expressing the depth of loneliness.
Now if there's a smile on my face
Revisiting the theme of the deceptive smile.
Don't let my glad expression
Repeating the caution against misinterpretation.
Give you the wrong impression
Warning against assuming indifference based on the smile.
Don't let this smile I wear
Clarifying that the smile doesn't indicate a lack of care.
Make you think that I don't care
Emphasizing the true emotional state of sadness.
When really, I'm sad
Expressing the depth of emotional pain.
Hurtin' so bad
Reiterating the intense hurt.
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