"The Tracks of My Tears" is a cover song originally recorded by The Miracles in 1965. UB40, a British reggae band, released their own version in 1980. The lyrics of the song describe a person who appears to be the life of the party and always cheerful on the outside, but on the inside, they are feeling sad and lonely. The protagonist reveals that their laughter and jokes are just a facade for their true feelings of sadness. They refer to their smile as looking out of place, indicating that it doesn't match their internal emotions. The "tracks of my tears" in the chorus symbolize the tears they have shed and the emotional pain they are experiencing. The song expresses the longing for a lost love. Even though the protagonist is seen with other girls, they are just substitutes and not the person they truly desire. The line "Because you're the permanent one" emphasizes that the person they lost holds a special place in their heart that cannot be replaced. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of hiding one's emotions behind a mask. The protagonist is pretending to be happy, but their hope is fading as they continue to miss their lost love. The reference to being a clown suggests that they are putting on a brave face to keep up appearances. Overall, "The Tracks of My Tears" delves into the theme of hidden pain behind a cheerful facade, showcasing the struggle of pretending to be happy while feeling heartbroken inside.
