a darkened house

Friday Music Prompt #50: Send in the Clowns

clown-nose-with-glasses-hi[1]

 

Written by Stephen Sondheim for his 1973, A Little Night Music, “Send in the Clowns” has gone way beyond Broadway. Judy Collins recorded the song in 1975 on her Judith album. She was nominated for a Grammy in 1976, the year Sondheim won the Grammy for Best Song, based on the popularity of Collins’ performances.

Make what you will of the lyrics. Some songs slip out of musicals more smoothly than others. Remember: clowns can be literal or figurative. Provide comic relief, play the fool, distract attention. Or instill fear.

This is a live performance from 1991 of Judy Collins and “Send in the Clowns.”

Isn’t it rich? Are we a pair?

Me here at last on the ground and you in mid-air

Send in the clowns

Isn’t it bliss?

Don’t you approve?

One who keeps tearing around and one who can’t move

But where are the clowns?

Send in the clowns

Just when I stopped opening doors

Finally finding the one that I wanted was yours

Making my entrance again with my usual flair

Sure of my lines

Nobody’s there

Don’t you love a farce?

My fault, I fear

I thought that you’d want what I want, sorry my dear

But where are the clowns?

Send in the clowns

Don’t bother they’re here

Isn’t it rich?

Isn’t it queer?

Losing my timing this late in my career

But where are the clowns?

Send in the clowns

Well, maybe next year

Songwriters: STEPHEN SONDHEIM © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. For non-commercial use only. Data From: LyricFind

This is music Friday, so we welcome any form of creative expression from videoed karaoke to sonnets. React to/find inspiration in the song lyrics and video. Push your edges; change your shape. Or stay with the comfy chair.

When you’re finished, tag the post Music Challenge and Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, and add you link to the mlmm linky button. Link to this post, or paste your post’s url into the comment section.

Like a good vj/dj, I’m open to musical suggestions. Put them in the comments box or email me: darkenedhouse@yahoo.com.

And for a treat: Judy Collins signing “Send in the Clowns” on the original Muppets Show – warning – clowns seen.

22 comments

  1. I love this song. I have seen so many wonderful versions of it but Judy Collins’ version is magic. I saw a kid do it once that left me breathless.

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    • “I agree. I wore the grooves out of her Judith album. This was one of the best YouTube live versions I could find,” she replied. “And, had to throw in the Muppets for good measure.”

      Liked by 1 person

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