The Miracles' original version of this song was also ranked #50 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
Written by Robinson, Pete Moore, and Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, "The Tracks of My Tears" was a #2 hit on the Billboard magazine R&B singles chart, and reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single also was a Top 10 hit in England, reaching #9 on the UK singles chart.
The Tracks Of My Tears
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Yeah, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Ooh, look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace
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 façade 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 © TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Iricom US Ltd, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Warren Moore, Marvin Tarplin, William Jr. Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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 btw❤❤
@fuselinhofulustreco614
who is ryan?
@ashethnaya7937
@@fuselinhofulustreco614 I assume he's talking about Ryan Howard from The Office. This song was mentioned in the show
@tobeabear
BEING IN VIETNAM THIS MUSIC KEPT ME GOING, NOW IT KEEPS ME ALIVE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. 🐻
@aceheru7855
I was watching the movie Platoon I had to go to YouTube to find the song 👌🏾
@108_raihanreza7
@@aceheru7855 Same here
@elafayettestone1799
Welcome home brother