Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Tracks Of My Tears
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song "The Tracks Of My Tears" by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a classic Motown ballad that tells a story about a man who appears to be the life of the party but deep down is feeling the pain of heartbreak. The verses describe the man's facade of happiness as he tells jokes and laughs loudly, while the chorus reveals the truth about the tracks of tears he is hiding underneath his smile.
The lyrics also describe how the man is using other women as substitutes for his lost love, but ultimately they are just temporary fixes compared to the permanent one he had with his former lover. The song goes on to reveal the inner turmoil the man is feeling, as he tries to mask his pain with a clown-like persona and makeup.
The song's lyrics are powerful because they speak to the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. It's a poignant reminder that sometimes the happiest-seeming people are the ones who are suffering the most.
Line by Line Meaning
People say I'm the life of the party
Others perceive me to be a lively and outgoing person
Because I tell a joke or two
This is because I am able to make others laugh
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Despite projecting joy and happiness outwards
Deep inside I'm blue
I am plagued by deep feelings of sadness and despair inside
So take a good look at my face
Observe the expression on my face carefully
You'll see my smile looks out of place
You will realize that my smile is insincere
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
If you examine my demeanor closely, you'll find
The tracks of my tears
The evidence of my sadness and heartbreak
I need you, need you
I am desperate to have you by my side again
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
If you catch me with another woman after you left me
Seeming like I'm having fun
Appearing to be enjoying myself
Although she may be cute
Even though the other woman may be attractive
She's just a substitute
She is only a temporary stand-in for you
Because you're the permanent one
Because you are the one I truly want to be with always
Outside I'm masquerading
I am pretending to be someone I am not when I am outside in public
Inside my hope is fading
Internally, I am losing faith and optimism for the future
Just a clown oh yeah
I feel like a performer, putting on a show for others
Since you put me down
Ever since you rejected and broke up with me
My smile is my make up
My fake smile is my way of hiding my pain
I wear since my break up with you
I have been using my smile as a mask since we parted ways
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DOLLY PARTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carulla, Francisco III V.
Tracks of My Tears
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
Be in his Presence
For me this is The most soulful rendition of this great song
The Godblogger
Wonderful version. 😍
Corey Sheppard
Smokey himself said he was a big fan of this rendition!
Carulla, Francisco III V.
Tracks of My Tears
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
welshnproud99
Seen gladys knight and the pips in Cardiff 2yrs ago , they are brought tears to my eyes , absolutely awsome , as good now as they all those years ago ❤
Weldon Harper
Excellent cover song by Gladys Knight and the
Pips😊
Shirley Patricia Cooper
Bought this in early 70's. Just love Gladys Knight.
TheWonderfulKushite
Another great version of a great song.
Rozenax Sax
I love love love love Gladys since forever.
POSI2
NOTHING COMPARES TO THE MIRACLES' VERSION ... ALL-TIME CLASSIC!!!