She has participated twice in Melodi Grand Prix, the Norwegian preselection for Eurovision Song Contest. In 2011, as a part of the duo Åste & Rikke. They reached the final where they failed to finish in top 4. In 2012, she participated on her own, with the song "Shapeshifter". This time, she failed to make it to the final.
Circus
Rikke Normann Lyrics
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stuff them with paper or cotton in the tip the tip of the toe
paint a bright red smile upon your pale face and they will love you
If nothing else you'll have the echo of your own shoes applauding you
Where is the circus where is the core
where is my red nose when you slam the door in my face
when you slam the door in my face
where is my encore when you knock me over again
when you knock me over again
when you knock me over again
Leave all of your pens and crayons on the table
you don't need to fill in all the blanks when they're not able to colour the truth
Center stage was always meant for someone else and never for you
You were just a funny warmup to the real act
the sweet number two
Where is the circus
where is the core
where is my red nose when you slam the door in my face
when you slam the door in my face
Where is the circus to remove the pain
where is my encore when you knock me over again
when you knock me over again
when you knock me over again
You put your whole heart deep in it
giving your best hoping to win it
someone played a game on your behalf
Placed the bid your stakes were higher
it'll be ok said the liar
in the end someone had a laugh
they only gave back half
(where is my circus, where is my core, where is my red nose, when you slam the door)
(eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh)
Where is my circus
where is my core
when you slam the door in my face
where is the circus to remove the pain
where is my encore when you knock me over again
when you knock me over again
when you knock me over again
The song Circus by Rikke Normann is a powerful commentary on the entertainment industry and the way it can chew up and spit out those who are a part of it. The opening lines describe the pressure to conform to an ideal that may not be attainable, with the metaphor of shoes that are too big to fit. The suggestion to stuff the shoes with paper or cotton in the toe tip and paint a bright red smile on the face is a metaphor for the lengths to which people will go to appear more successful or likable in this industry. The line “If nothing else you'll have the echo of your own shoes applauding you” speaks to the loneliness one may feel when they’ve sacrificed so much for their career.
The chorus asks “Where is the circus?”, questioning the place they thought they belonged when someone has slammed the door in their face. They ask where their red nose is, which is symbolic of the idea that they’re seen as a clown or a joke. They seek encore, or recognition, but instead they are being knocked down repeatedly.
The last verse is a reflection on the hard work and dedication it takes to make it in the entertainment industry, but how easily it can be taken away by those who hold the power - those who place the bids and make the decisions. The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the feeling of loss and desperation that comes with trying to make it in the industry.
Overall, Circus is a powerful and poignant commentary on the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, and the toll it can take on those who are a part of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Shoes too big for you to walk in they won't fit
Your ambitions or aspirations exceed your abilities and they won't suit you.
stuff them with paper or cotton in the tip the tip of the toe
Try to make your dreams fit by filling them with something but it won't work.
paint a bright red smile upon your pale face and they will love you
Everyone likes someone who puts on a happy face even if they're not really happy.
If nothing else you'll have the echo of your own shoes applauding you
If no one else appreciates you, at least you can pat yourself on the back, but it's not the same as true recognition.
Where is the circus where is the core
Where is the excitement and fun, where is the center of it all?
where is my red nose when you slam the door in my face
Where is my sense of humor when things go wrong and people are mean?
Where is the circus to remove the pain
Where is the escape or distraction from all the hurt?
where is my encore when you knock me over again
Where is my chance to redeem myself after being knocked down or criticized?
Leave all of your pens and crayons on the table
Don't bother trying to color a situation that can't be changed or improved.
you don't need to fill in all the blanks when they're not able to colour the truth
You don't need to pretend everything is okay when it's not, or force yourself to accept a false reality.
Center stage was always meant for someone else and never for you
The spotlight was never meant for you, and you were always meant to be in the background.
You were just a funny warmup to the real act the sweet number two
You were just a side attraction, not the main event, and not as good as the first choice.
You put your whole heart deep in it giving your best hoping to win it
You gave your all and tried your best to achieve something you wanted.
someone played a game on your behalf Placed the bid your stakes were higher
Someone manipulated you into taking a risk or making a big investment.
it'll be ok said the liar in the end someone had a laugh they only gave back half
Someone told you everything would be fine, but they were lying and only gave you a portion of what you deserved.
(where is my circus, where is my core, where is my red nose, when you slam the door)
Repeating the earlier lyrics to emphasize that the happiness, stability, and humor that were missing before are still missing.
(eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh)
Vocalization in the song that doesn't directly relate to the message.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Rikke Cecilie Normann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind