Founded by Creager in 1992, they have long held true to their mission of enlightening the common man as to the power and versatility of the mighty cello. Historically influenced, and constantly costumed, Rasputina keeps a small legion of incredibly passionate admirers enthralled with their earnest musicianship. Considered to be quite a pioneer and visionary, Melora and her group have inspired countless young people to pick up the cello, and have re-inspired many uninspired string players. Rasputina considers this to be the finest payment for their work.
Professional involvements have included Nirvana, Ultra Vivid Scene, Marilyn Manson, Porno For Pyros, Belle and Sebastian,and Cheap Trick.
Former Members of Rasputina:
Julia Kent (89-99)
Kris Cowperthwaite (00-02)
Zoë Keating (02-06)
Sarah Bowman (06-08)
Jonathon TeBeest (00-08)
Clowns
Rasputina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatcha wanna look like Barbie for?
Dear old lord, it's easy
Most of us have often did
My own kid did
Tears that flow on and on, on and on
Only clowns'll play with dual balloons
Dear old lord, it's easy
Only clowns'll play with dual balloons
Whatcha wanna look like Barbie for?
Dear old lord, it's easy
Most of us have often did
My own kid did
Tears that flow on and on, on and on
Only clowns'll play with dual balloons
Whatcha wanna look like Barbie for?
Dear old lord, it's easy
The lyrics of Rasputina's "Clowns" explore the desire to fit in and conform to societal standards of beauty and behavior. The line "Only clowns'll play with dual balloons" suggests that only those who are not concerned with being seen as "normal" or "attractive" would engage in such activity. The following line, "Whatcha wanna look like Barbie for?" further emphasizes this point, as Barbie is an unrealistic and idealized representation of femininity. The repetition of the phrase "Dear old lord, it's easy" may be seen as a sarcastic comment on how effortless it appears to be to conform to these expectations, despite the emotional toll it can take.
The song continues with the lines "Most of us have often did / My own kid did / Tears that flow on and on, on and on." Here, the lyrics suggest that most people have experienced the pressure to conform and have succumbed to it, including the songwriter herself ("My own kid did"). The repeated refrain of "Tears that flow on and on, on and on" further emphasizes the emotional distress that can come from trying to fit in and conform to societal expectations.
Overall, the lyrics of "Clowns" critique the pressures to conform to societal expectations, particularly concerning beauty and gender roles. The imagery of clowns and balloons serves as a metaphor for the freedom that comes from rejecting these expectations, and the emotional toll that conforming to them can take.
Line by Line Meaning
Only clowns'll play with dual balloons
Playing with two balloons at once is something most people don't do, only clowns do; this line could mean the person being addressed is being silly or ridiculous.
Whatcha wanna look like Barbie for?
Why do you want to look like the stereotypical image of perfection and conform to societal beauty standards? This line addresses the pressure to fit a certain mold.
Dear old lord, it's easy
This line could be sarcastic, implying that something may seem simple to someone else but not to the singer. Alternatively, it could express a sense of resignation in the face of overwhelming difficulties.
Most of us have often did
Many people have done something similar to what the artist is referring to, perhaps trying to fit into a certain mold or feeling pressure to conform to societal expectations.
My own kid did
Even the artist's child has engaged in behavior that could be seen as conforming to societal expectations, such as wanting to look like a popular toy.
Tears that flow on and on, on and on
This line describes a prolonged period of sadness or grief, echoing the previous lines about societal pressures and the emotional toll they can take.
Writer(s): William Owen Gregory, Alison Elizabeth Goldfrapp Copyright: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing Ltd.
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.