The Tracks Of My Tears
Smokey Robinson Lyrics


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Tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do do do do
People say I'm the life of the party
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I'm having fun
Although she may be cute

She's just a substitute
Because you're the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
Oh, you'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace
Oh, the tracks of my tears

Oh, I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Hey yeah, outside I'm masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
Just a clown oh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my make up

I wear since my break up with you
Baby, take a good look at my face
Oh, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears, baby baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, take a good look at my face




Yeah, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Ooh, look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace

Overall Meaning

The Tracks of My Tears is a song by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, released in 1965. The song is about a man who appears to be the life of the party but in reality, he is struggling with the pain of a broken heart. He puts on a faรงade to hide his true feelings, but his sadness is evident in the tracks of his tears. The lyrics depict a man who is trying to move on from a past relationship but is failing to do so. Despite being with other women, he is still unable to forget his lost love, whom he considers to be his permanent love.


The song is notable for its catchy melody, intricate orchestration, and honest lyrics. Smokey Robinson's delicate yet powerful vocals make the song even more compelling. The track features a unique combination of instruments like guitar, piano, drums, bass, and strings, which creates a magical effect. The lyrics are heartfelt, and the song has been widely acclaimed as one of the best soul tracks of all time. The song's enduring popularity has been aided by its use in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in the American pop culture.


Line by Line Meaning

Tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do do do do
Repeating melody to set the tone of the song


People say I'm the life of the party
Others consider me the center of attention in social groups


'Cause I tell a joke or two
I try to entertain others by telling jokes


Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Even though I appear happy on the outside


Deep inside I'm blue
I actually feel sad and depressed inside


So take a good look at my face
Examine my expressions closely


You'll see my smile looks out of place
My smile is forced and doesn't reflect my true emotions


If you look closer, it's easy to trace
By observing me better, it's evident to see


The tracks of my tears
I have been crying even though I appear to be happy


I need you (need you), need you (need you)
I miss and require your presence


Since you left me if you see me with another girl
If you see me with someone else now that you're gone


Seeming like I'm having fun
I may appear to be enjoying myself


Although she may be cute
Even if the person looks attractive


She's just a substitute
They are only a replacement for you


Because you're the permanent one
You are the one I desire permanently


Hey yeah, outside I'm masquerading
Externally, I pretend to be someone else


Inside my hope is fading
But I am losing hope on the inside


Just a clown oh yeah
I'm just a laughing stock


Since you put me down
Ever since you rejected me


My smile is my make up
My smile is my way of hiding the pain


I wear since my break up with you
I put on a fake smile since we broke up


Baby, take a good look at my face
Please closely observe my expressions


Oh, you'll see my smile looks out of place
My smile doesn't match my true emotions


Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace
Please observe me more closely


The tracks of my tears, baby baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
I have been crying despite external appearances




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Tarplin, Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, William Robinson Jr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@BlackGryph0n

Ryan brought me here. Sing it, Smoke Man!

@hghtrfnko8634

Video on your suggested feed too?

@dq6813

me too

@carriewhite3018

Ahh Gabriel, a man with taste.I love ur videos btwโคโค

@fuselinhofulustreco614

who is ryan?

@ashethnaya7937

@@fuselinhofulustreco614 I assume he's talking about Ryan Howard from The Office. This song was mentioned in the show

126 More Replies...

@jeremyray4714

Many great films have led to people loving great music. Thanks Platoon

@tobeabear

BEING IN VIETNAM THIS MUSIC KEPT ME GOING, NOW IT KEEPS ME ALIVE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. ๐Ÿป

@aceheru7855

I was watching the movie Platoon I had to go to YouTube to find the song ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿพ

@108_raihanreza7

@@aceheru7855 Same here

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