"See the Funny Little Clown" is a song by Bobby Goldsboro released in 1964. The song tells the story of a clown who appears to be happy and always laughing on the outside, but in reality, he is filled with sadness and heartache on the inside. The lyrics portray the clown as someone who is skilled at hiding his true emotions. People see him laughing and assume he is content, but nobody knows the pain he feels deep inside. The clown's tears and inner turmoil remain unnoticed by those around him. The song also explores the reason behind the clown's sorrow. It is revealed that the clown's heartache originated from a past relationship. His girlfriend left him, and he tries to convince himself and others that he never truly loved her. However, the truth is that he is still hurt by her departure. Through the narrative of the song, Goldsboro emphasizes the idea that appearances can be deceiving. The clown's painted smile reflects his attempt to mask his true emotions, but only one person, the narrator, truly understands his pain. The narrator reveals themselves as the "funny little clown," implying that they have experienced similar heartbreak and can relate to the sadness hidden behind the clown's facade. "See the Funny Little Clown" conveys a poignant message about the masks people often wear to conceal their inner turmoil. It serves as a reminder that understanding and empathy can be invaluable in uncovering the true emotions hidden behind a smile.
