Death Of A Clown
Puhdys Lyrics
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I'm drowning my sorrows in whiskey and gin
The lion tamer's whip doesn't crack anymore
The lions they won't bite and the tigers won't roar
La la la La
So let's all drink to the death of a clown
Won't someone help me to break up this crown
Let's all drink to the death of a clown
Let's all drink to the death of a clown
The old fortune teller lies dead on the floor
Nobody needs fortunes told anymore
The trainer of insects is crouched on his knees
And frantically looking for runaway fleas
La la la la la la la la la la
Let's all drink to the death of a clown
So won't someone help me to breakup this crown
Let's all drink to the death of a clown
La la la la la la la la la la
The lyrics of Puhdys's song Death Of a Clown paint a picture of a sad clown, drowning his sorrows in whiskey and gin, while reminiscing about the days when he was the star of the show. The clown's makeup is dry and cracking on his chin, a sign of his old age and fading glory. The lion tamer's whip no longer cracks and the lions and tigers no longer roar, indicating that the circus has lost its magic. The old fortune teller is dead on the floor, and the trainer of insects is frantically looking for runaway fleas, suggesting that the circus is on the brink of collapse. The chorus, "Let's all drink to the death of a clown," is a mournful tribute to the end of an era.
The song is a poignant commentary on the transience of fame and fortune. The clown, who was once the center of attention and adoration, is now an old, forgotten relic of a bygone era. The fact that nobody needs fortunes told anymore and the insects are running away suggests that the circus, and the world in general, have moved on from the old ways. The metaphorical death of the clown represents the end of an era, the passing away of something that was once great.
Overall, the song is a moving portrayal of the human condition, of how we all grow old and are eventually forgotten. It is a reminder that everything, even the greatest things, must come to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
My makeup is dry and it cracks on my chin
I'm feeling sad and alone, my clown makeup is dry and falling apart
I'm drowning my sorrows in whiskey and gin
I'm trying to forget my troubles by drinking alcohol excessively
The lion tamer's whip doesn't crack anymore
Life doesn't seem as exciting or thrilling as it used to be
The lions they won't bite and the tigers won't roar
Even the things that once inspired fear no longer have an impact on me
Let's all drink to the death of a clown
We should celebrate the end of my sad, lonely life as a clown
Won't someone help me to break up this crown
I'm asking for someone to rescue me from my own sadness and loneliness
The old fortune teller lies dead on the floor
The traditional ways of predicting the future no longer hold any meaning
Nobody needs fortunes told anymore
People have lost faith in the idea that their future can be predicted or controlled
The trainer of insects is crouched on his knees
Even those who work with small, insignificant creatures are struggling and feeling defeated
And frantically looking for runaway fleas
Despite their best efforts, things keep slipping away and they can't seem to catch a break
Contributed by Allison G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.