Send In The Clowns
Reeves Dianne Lyrics


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Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
you in mid-air.
Where are the clowns?

Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
one who can't move.
Where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.

Just when I'd stopped
opening doors,
finally knowing
the one that I wanted was yours,
Making my entrance again,
with my usual flair,
Sure of my lines,
no one is there.

Don't you love farce?
My fault, I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want
sorry, my dear.
And where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don't bother, they're here.

Isn't it rich?
Isn't it queer?
Losing my timing this late
in my career?
And where are the clowns?




There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Reeves Dianne's song Send In The Clowns describe a sense of longing and uncertainty about love and relationships. The song opens with the singer questioning the situation she finds herself in with her partner, asking if they are at odds with each other. She is on the ground while her partner is in the air, suggesting they are on different levels or on separate paths in their relationship. The singer then asks "Where are the clowns?" suggesting that she needs something to bring some levity to the situation or to distract her from the tension with her partner.


The next verse reveals the singer's dissatisfaction with her partner's behavior, referring to them as someone who "keeps tearing around" while she is someone who "can't move." She continues to question the presence of clowns, suggesting that they should be there to entertain or distract from these feelings of frustration. The final verse reveals the singer's sadness and resignation about the situation. She has tried to open doors and make a grand entrance, but nobody is there to appreciate it. She questions her own mistakes and where things went wrong, suggesting that it was her expectation that her partner would want the same things she did. The song concludes with the singer resigned to the fact that there will always be a sense of longing and unfulfillment in her relationships as she asks, "And where are the clowns? There ought to be clowns. Well, maybe next year."


Line by Line Meaning

Isn't it rich?
Isn't it ironic or unfortunate?


Are we a pair?
Are we two people who are connected or associated?


Me here at last on the ground, you in mid-air.
I am grounded or settled, while you are still taking risks or flying high.


Where are the clowns?
Where are those who provide comic relief during times of sadness or confusion?


Isn't it bliss?
Isn't it wonderful or great?


Don't you approve?
Aren't you satisfied or accepting of the situation?


One who keeps tearing around, one who can't move.
One who is restless or active, and one who is stuck in a stagnant position.


Where are the clowns? There ought to be clowns.
Where are those who can make the situation better or more bearable? They should be here to help.


Just when I'd stopped opening doors, finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours, Making my entrance again, with my usual flair, Sure of my lines, no one is there.
Just when I thought I had found what I was looking for, I am left alone once again with no one to support me.


Don't you love farce?
Don't you enjoy watching or participating in situations that are humorous or ridiculous?


My fault, I fear. I thought that you'd want what I want sorry, my dear.
I accept that it is my mistake that I assumed that you would share my desires. I apologize for that.


And where are the clowns? Quick, send in the clowns. Don't bother, they're here.
Where are those who can fix the mess? They are already present in the situation, and there is no need to call for help.


Isn't it rich? Isn't it queer? Losing my timing this late in my career? And where are the clowns? There ought to be clowns. Well, maybe next year.
Isn't it unfortunate or ironic that I am experiencing a setback this late in my journey? Where are those who can help me now? Maybe next year, things will be better.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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