Who Can Cheer A Clown

[stoman]

John isn't too crazy about his singing as it is a bit pitchy. I could have fixed that, but I decided not to do it because I thought it adds to the picture of the disenchanted clown. What do you think?

Lyrics: Mike Graszyk
Vocals: John Newman
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann

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0:00

Volume:

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WHO CAN CHEER A CLOWN?

This is the ring where I learned to dance
And dream of romance
Here are the stands where the patrons go
Loving my show

But I'd like to whisper to a child
That there's no ounce of meaning in this smile
It's a worthless painted mask
So people never choose to ask what's wrong

But now I must laugh on
You can't tell I'm crying
As my soul is dying
And when the songs fade out
No one seems to wonder
Who can cheer a clown?

These are my friends, we all look alike
Under the lights
Here is our car, we all fit inside
For one lonely ride

But I'd love to leave this giant tent
Pound my heels along the cracked cement
Fly away without a trace
Wash off the makeup on my face tonight

I don't wish to juggle swords
Loud applause is no reward
For the man who's sadder than he first appears
Now the lion tamer's tired
Acrobats fall off the wire
All the circus magic slowly disappears

Regards,
  Steffen

[lg]

I wouldn't change a thing!
It is obviously a difficult song to sing, as are all opera-ish songs...
But to change it would lose the feel that you want to impart.

LG

[dasilvasings]

Didn't find John pitchy (but who's me judge :-) )

This song, like always, is excellent, that's why I'll focus on the only negative thing:

This song could fit a lloyd webber musical, but I think the chorus lacks energy / extravagancy/ flamboyance (?). A clown is always a clown, even if he is depressed. IMO the chorus should be something stronger. Don't know how you could do that. John is a bass, so it is never an "extravagant" voice. Perhaps adding a second "counterpointish" vocal line?

Oh! There is a feeling of Bowie! (yep, that's positive)

[dasilvasings]

quick jokes:

do you know the difference between the first and second desks of the double basses in an orchestra?

Half-tone!

Could also be: the diference between violins and violas in an orchestra?

A full measures!

[MeanGreenLizard]

Wow, this is beautiful!
Sounds like somewhere between Bowie and van der Graaf Generator!
Really great!

[Nelson]

Brilliant Steffen
A sad opera.
Bowie yes and if it had electric guitar, it could be Queen.

Dark and dramatic.

Very creative arrangement and excellent musicainship

Outstanding work by all involved.

PS. Vocals were just wonderful.

[tom r]

This is really good. Made me think of Scott Walker doing a Jaqcues Brel song

T

[Rata-tat-tat]

I actually thought the chorus was great... I could see this as a closing song at circus where all of the entertainers come out for a grand finalle. Tigers/ Trapeze/ Lion Tamer/ Clowns/ Horses/ Fire Breathers/ Elephants the whole shebang. Clowns always creeped me out... maybe you hit the nail on the head... as to why. Great lyrics... great song.

[Ferryman_1957]

I got the Scott Walker/Jacques Brel feel here. The vox are a little in the Anthony Newley/David Bowie vein, and in places it sounds like John could just let go a bit more in some places. They sound perfect at the "juggle swords" part for example. But they don;t sound out of tune, just a little low in the mix for me. I think it works well as it is, I really like the piano part.

Cheers,

Nigel

[thetworegs]

This excellent, i'm sure i commented on this on Alonetone ....Great lyrics.......... i went to the Circus in Sheffield today took the children. The Great American Circus which funnily didn't seem to have one American in it, they looked Columbian or Romanian but definatly not American ...it was really expensive....and no lions.......i bet i cheered the clown up with the £36 to entrance fee and that was with a 50% off voucher......