The Tracks of My Tears
Lee Ritenour Lyrics
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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...
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 lyrics of Lee Ritenour's "The Tracks of My Tears" explore the idea of putting up a facade to hide one's true feelings. The opening lines suggest that the singer is seen as a happy, sociable person who enjoys cracking jokes and making others laugh. However, as the lyrics progress, a deeper sense of sadness and despair is revealed. The repeated line "I need you" suggests that the singer still longs for a lost love and is struggling to move on. The introspective tone of the song is reinforced by the lines "Outside I'm masquerading, Inside my hope is fading", which suggest that the singer is trying to hide his true emotions.
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant as it sums up the central theme of the lyrics. The haunting lyrics "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" are a reminder that things are not always as they appear on the surface. The repeating line "I need you, need you" emphasizes the sense of longing and despair expressed throughout the song. "The Tracks of My Tears" is a powerful, emotional ballad that speaks to the human experience of trying to hide one's true emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
People say I'm the life of the party
Many people believe that I am outgoing and cheerful.
Because I tell a joke or two
This is because I am good at making people laugh.
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Despite my outward exuberance, I am actually hurting inside.
Deep inside I'm blue
I am quite sad or melancholy underneath it all.
So take a good look at my face
If you observe me closely, you'll notice something peculiar about my expression.
You'll see my smile looks out of place
My smile seems awkward or inappropriate in the context of my true feelings.
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
If you examine more carefully, you'll be able to detect or discern.
The tracks of my tears...
The evidence of my sorrow or distress is visible to those who look closely.
I need you, need you
I require your presence, and I desire you greatly.
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
In case you happen to encounter me in the company of another woman since you abandoned me,
Seeming like I'm having fun
It may appear that I am enjoying myself.
Although she may be cute
Even though she may be physically attractive,
She's just a substitute
She is only a temporary replacement.
Because you're the permanent one...
You are the one who is meant to be with me forever.
Outside I'm masquerading
Despite my outward appearance or behavior, I am not being genuine.
Inside my hope is fading
I am losing my optimistic outlook or positive expectations.
Just a clown oh yeah
I am simply a comical or amusing figure, nothing more.
Since you put me down
Ever since you rejected or disappointed me,
My smile is my make up
My smile is like a cosmetic product that I use to hide my true emotions.
I wear since my break up with you...
I have been donning this 'mask' since we parted ways.
So take a good look at my face
Again, if you scrutinize my expression closely,
You'll see my smile looks out of place
You will notice that my smile seems inappropriate or unnatural given my true feelings.
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
Once more, if you examine things more carefully, it will be quite clear.
The tracks of my tears
The visible evidence of my emotional pain or heartbreak.
Contributed by Addison L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.