The Clown

This make-up’s dried upon my face,

gone cracked with age and wear.

I can’t remove this absurd mask.

You’ll never know how much I care.

The girl with pretty eyes will smile,

the clown, so sad, will sigh.

Another chance has passed away.

Another star lights the sky.

You see the clown and laugh at him,

I turn away and cry,

‘cos though this veil is wearing thin

its artificial tears are dry.

No love behind a painted face

that hides the hurt and fear,

that though I’ve given you my heart,

you’ll never hold it near.

And when the show is over

don’t let the clown get near,

don’t try to find that unmasked face

wipe away an endless tear.

Broken clown, with yesterday’s dreams,

I slowly close my eyes.

A lonely, tear-stained, greasepaint face

and a thousand girl’s goodbye’s.

You see the clown and laugh at him,

I turn away and cry,

‘cos though this veil is wearing thin

its artificial tears are dry.

No love behind a painted face

that hides the hurt and fear,

that though I’ve given you my heart,

you’ll never hold it near.