Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, … Read Full Bio ↴Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, France, is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his eclectic musical style and socially conscious lyrics. Chao's musical journey began in the vibrant Parisian music scene, where he immersed himself in diverse influences ranging from punk and rock to reggae and salsa. Co-founding the band Mano Negra in 1987, Chao showcased his knack for blending genres, resulting in international acclaim with albums like "Patchanka" (1988) and "Casa Babylon" (1994). Following the dissolution of Mano Negra in 1995, Chao embarked on a prolific solo career, marked by albums such as "Clandestino" (1998) and "Próxima Estación: Esperanza" (2001), where he continued to push musical boundaries while addressing social and political issues. Incorporating elements of street music and bar scenes from various cultures, Chao formed Radio Bemba Sound System, collaborating with musicians from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to create a vibrant fusion of sounds. His innovative use of technology, including recording exclusively on a laptop, reflects his commitment to artistic experimentation. Through his music, Chao has championed themes of cultural diversity, social justice, and global solidarity, earning him a revered status as a visionary musician and cultural ambassador.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Chao

Discography
Clandestino (1998)
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (2001)
Radio Bemba Sound System (2002)
Sibérie m'était contéee (2004)
La Radiolina (2007)
Baionarena (2008)

The Bleedin Clown
Manu Chao Lyrics

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Cause people grin when I come round
And kids they call me the bleedin' clown
I used to make the children happy
Now little girls cry when they look at me

I'm goin' down, down, down
I'm goin' down.

You left baby you left baby
You left and I'm lonely
You left baby you left baby
You left and I'm lonely

I lost my reputation crown
There's nothin' on me but a bleedin' clown
Cause little girl found another boy
And left behind just a broken toy

You left baby you left baby
You left and I'm lonely
You left baby you left baby
You left and I'm lonely

Cause people grin when I come round
You left baby you left and I'm lonely
And kids they call me the bleedin' clown
You left baby you left and I'm lonely
I used to make the children happy
You left baby you left and I'm lonely
Now little girls cry when they look at me
You left baby you left and I'm lonely

You left and I'm lonely
You left and I'm lonely

Overall Meaning

"The Bleedin Clown" is a tale of heartbreak that is told through the metaphor of a clown. The song is about a clown who used to bring joy and laughter to children but has lost his reputation and now only receives mockery and ridicule. The song opens with the lines, "Cause people grin when I come round / And kids they call me the bleedin' clown." Here, the clown describes how he used to be loved and adored by children, but now he is just a figure of fun.

The song then takes a turn as the clown reveals the reason for his downfall. He sings, "Little girl found another boy / And left behind just a broken toy." This line suggests that the clown had a relationship with a little girl who has since abandoned him. The chorus of the song repeats the lines, "You left baby you left / And I'm lonely." These lines emphasize the pain and loneliness that the clown feels since being rejected.

Manu Chao's use of the clown as a metaphor is powerful as it highlights the fragility of human emotions. The clown, a figure of joy and happiness, has been reduced to a bleedin' clown because of his heartbreak. The song's lyrics also show the harsh reality of how society treats those who fall from grace. The once-beloved clown is now mocked and ridiculed, which adds to his pain and loneliness.

Line by Line Meaning

Cause people grin when I come round
People pretend to be happy and amicable with me whenever they see me, but it's all superficial.

And kids they call me the bleedin' clown
Children mock me and consider me a joke and a spectacle that is entertaining to them.

I used to make the children happy
I had a reputation for entertaining and bringing joy to children wherever I went.

Now little girls cry when they look at me
Due to my altered reputation and image, children no longer see me as cheerful and welcoming but rather frightening and depressing.

I'm goin' down, down, down
I'm falling into a never-ending pit of despair and depression.

You left baby you left baby
The singer is addressing someone who has left them and is no longer with them as a result.

You left and I'm lonely
The singer is feeling abandoned, sad, and isolated because of the person who left them.

I lost my reputation crown
The artist's image and standing in the eyes of others has diminished and vanished as a result of events that took place.

There's nothin' on me but a bleedin' clown
The only thing the artist is seen as now is a clown or a sad and empty person who is struggling through life.

Cause little girl found another boy
The person the artist was in love with has found another partner and moved on.

And left behind just a broken toy
The singer is now nothing more than something that the person they loved has thrown away like a broken object or a toy.

Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JOSE-MANUEL THO CHAO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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