Shade of a Clown
I was at the circus the other day
I just stopped by to see my kids at play.
I got interested so I sat right down
because in front of us was a performing Clown.
.
He had big ole feet that spread right out
and suspended pants that flopped all about.
On his face a smile that was a great big grin,
but if you looked in his eyes you saw the soul within.
.
I'd never seen a soul so sad
trying so hard to make you glad.
Inside the soul I could see regret
and I felt before that soul id met.
.
I remembered a clown from years ago
when from a boy I began to grow
That clown had had a sad old face
but it was the twinkle in his eyes that set the pace.
.
He didnt have an act and he had no class
but If you looked in his eyes bad feelings would pass
soon you were laughing at every move hed make
and youd feel from the laughing your sides would break.
.
This same clown now had a lot of style
but if you looked in his eyes you didn't want to smile
hed spent many years perfecting his art
but along the way he'd lost the heart.
.
And you could tell by lookin although he was funny
He no longer enjoyed clownin'. He was just makin money.
Now Ive heard it said and I see its true
If you wanna give 'em a laugh there's gotta be a laugh in you.