Finale
Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds Lyrics
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When I was but three
Mama, who was clever
Remarking to me
If son when you're grown up
You want everything nice
I've got your future sewn up
If you take this advice
Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown
Act the fool, play the calf
And you'll always have the last laugh
Wear the cap and the bells
And you'll rate with all the great swells
If you become a doctor, folks'll face you with dread
If you become a dentist, they'll be glad when you're dead
You'll get a bigger hand if you can stand on your head
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown
Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown
Show 'em tricks, tell 'em jokes
And you'll only stop with top folks
Be a crack Jackanapes
And they'll imitate you like apes
Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears
Why be a major poet and you'll owe it for years
When crowds'll pay to giggle if you wiggle your ears
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown
Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown
If you just make 'em roar
Watch your Mounte bank account soar
Wear a painted mustache
And you're sure to make a big splash
A college education I should never propose
A bachelor's degree won't even keep you in clothes
But millions you will win if you can spin on your nose
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown
Give 'em quips, give 'em fun
And they'll happy to say you're A-1
If you become a farmer you've the weather to buck
If you become a gambler you'll be stuck with your luck
But Jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown
The song "Be a Clown" by Gene Kelly presents the idea that being a clown is the way to a successful and happy life. The lyrics begin with the story of the singer's mother telling him as a child that if he wants to have a good future, he should become a clown. The song then goes on to list reasons why being a clown is better than other professions such as a doctor or a poet. These reasons include the love and admiration of the world, always having the last laugh, being able to make money without higher education, and being imitated by others.
The song also points out that being a clown is more lucrative than other jobs, as one can watch their bank account soar by simply making people laugh. The idea that a college education is not necessary for success is emphasized in the lyrics, showing a preference for natural talent and ability to entertain. The song encourages the listener to act foolish, wear bells and caps, and play tricks and jokes. Essentially, the song's message is that if you want to be happy and successful, become a clown.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll remember forever
This memory will stay with me forever
When I was but three
When I was just a child
Mama, who was clever
My intelligent mother
Remarking to me
Saying to me
If son when you're grown up
When you're an adult
You want everything nice
If you want a comfortable life
I've got your future sewn up
I've already planned out your future
If you take this advice
If you follow my suggestion
Be a clown, be a clown
Become a performer who makes people laugh
All the world loves a clown
Everyone enjoys a comedic performer
Act the fool, play the calf
Behave in silly ways and act naive
And you'll always have the last laugh
You'll come out on top and be able to laugh at others
Wear the cap and the bells
Dress in a clown costume
And you'll rate with all the great swells
You'll be popular with high society
If you become a doctor, folks'll face you with dread
People will fear you if you become a doctor
If you become a dentist, they'll be glad when you're dead
People will be happy once you're gone if you become a dentist
You'll get a bigger hand if you can stand on your head
You'll have a better chance of success if you're flexible and can do unusual things
Show 'em tricks, tell 'em jokes
Perform stunts and make people laugh
And you'll only stop with top folks
Only the best people will be able to keep up with you
Be a crack Jackanapes
Be a witty and mischievous person
And they'll imitate you like apes
People will copy your behavior
Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears
Why pursue a career in music when you can't even afford rent
Why be a major poet and you'll owe it for years
Why become a poet when you'll have debt for a long time
When crowds'll pay to giggle if you wiggle your ears
People will pay to see you do silly things like wiggle your ears
Watch your Mounte bank account soar
Your money will start to add up quickly
Wear a painted mustache
Wear a fake mustache
And you're sure to make a big splash
You'll become famous and well-known
A college education I should never propose
I wouldn't recommend going to college
A bachelor's degree won't even keep you in clothes
Even with a college degree, you might not be able to afford basic necessities
But millions you will win if you can spin on your nose
You can earn a lot of money if you can do unique and entertaining things
Give 'em quips, give 'em fun
Provide witty remarks and entertaining experiences
And they'll happy to say you're A-1
They'll think you're excellent
If you become a farmer you've the weather to buck
If you become a farmer, you'll have to deal with unpredictable weather
If you become a gambler you'll be stuck with your luck
If you become a gambler, you'll always be at the mercy of luck
But Jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck
You can have consistent success if you can do silly things like quack like a duck
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mr.traditionalist7948
This movie has THE best dance sequences I have ever seen. So crisp, synchronized, and catchy. An instant classic I’ve enjoyed since I was 5.
@princessthyemis
ME TOO!! my mom sang this to me when I was little! I actually had no idea it was a real song until today! I thought my mom invented it!
@ILuvAyeAye
Awww, I was just commenting the same thing! My mom would say “we slept the whole night through” instead hah.
@shanisafan
Watch the Nicholas Brothers choreography in Stormy Weather. You will be amazed by the dance moves in that clip.
@mimidavis9534
That jump from the bar did not look easy yet they did it flawlessly! 😮
@susanlloyd7395
Gene Kelly was a genius choreographer.
@sav99786
My Nanna used to sing this to me every morning when she woke me up. Now I sing it to my son. I used to watch Singing in the Rain on her VCR all the time. Great memories.
@JOE-on4pi
❤
@yootoobsuks4210
I love that! 🥰
@user-pf8wb6ph4f
My mom used to sing it to me in the morning as well. Now i sing it to my girlfriend