Brenda Russell is an adult-contemporary singer-songwriter that hit the musi… Read Full Bio ↴Brenda Russell is an adult-contemporary singer-songwriter that hit the music scene in 1979 with her debut album "Brenda Russell". Her sister is rumoured to be none other than, Donna Summer, the queen of Disco. The release featured her her first hit song, "So Good So Right". The story goes, it came up while washing dishes and, still wearing an apron, she rushed to the piano wrote it down. The album also featured the hit "If Only for One Night" which was later famously covered by Luther Vandross.

Brenda's greatest success came in 1988 with the release of her third album, "Get Here". It featured the hit singles "Get Here" and "Piano In The Dark". At the 31st Grammy Awards, Brenda was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female for "Get Here". "Piano In The Dark" was nominated for Song of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (there was a duet? -- duet vocal was by Joe Esposito of Brooklyn Dreams). "Get Here" was later a huge hit covered by Oleta Adams.

Nearly all of her songs were written by herself. Some of her compositions are also performed by others like Roberta Flack, Diana Ross, Patrice Rushen, Patti Austin, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Justin Guarini, and very successfully by the aforementioned Luther Vandross and Oleta Adams.

Russell is also a chief songwriter and lyricist for the hit Broadway musical "The Color Purple". In 2005 she saw a Broadway musical version of Alice Walker's The Color Purple. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, the show's score is written by Russell and lyricists-composers Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Russell and her co-writers were nominated for a Tony Award (for Best Score) and a Grammy Award (in the Best Musical Show Album category).

The Tracks Of My Tears
Brenda Russell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

People say I'm the life of the party
Because I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place

If you look closer, it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears
I need you, need you
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I'm having fun
Although she may be cute

She's just a substitute
Because you're the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

I need you, need you
Outside I'm masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
Just a clown oh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my make up

I wear since my break up with you
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place

If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

Overall Meaning

"The Tracks Of My Tears" is a classic song by Brenda Russell that delves into the intricate emotions of a person who's putting on a brave face despite being torn on the inside. The overall message is that the life of the party can still feel utterly alone without the one they love. The opening lines express how people often see the writer as being the life of the party. However, her jolly personality is not indicative of her inner state since deep inside, she's feeling blue. The song goes on to express how the singer is not coping well with the breakup of a romantic relationship. She is trying to carry on with her life by filling the void with other romantic interests, but it's not the same. Despite the laughter, jests, and merry making, she's still not happy because the one she longs for is no longer with her. The chorus of the song has a call and response feel that emphasizes the singer's vulnerability. She needs the one she loves, and nothing will ever replace that person. The bridge of the song depicts the writer as being someone who wears a smile as a disguise. The smile is a way of saying she's okay, but her whole world has been shattered since the breakup. The final chorus is a plea for the one she loves to come back to her.

Interesting Facts about the song "The Tracks Of My Tears."

Line by Line Meaning

People say I'm the life of the party
Others believe I am an outgoing and fun person at social gatherings

Because I tell a joke or two
It's because I make others laugh by telling jokes

Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Even though I may be laughing loudly and with great energy

Deep inside I'm blue
My emotions are really sad and depressed

So take a good look at my face
Observe my facial features closely

You'll see my smile looks out of place
You'll notice that my smile doesn't match my actual feelings

If you look closer, it's easy to trace
Upon closer inspection, it's clear to see

The tracks of my tears
The evidence of my sorrow and crying

I need you, need you
I require your presence and companionship

Since you left me if you see me with another girl
If you catch me socializing with another girl after our breakup