About The Song
Background
“Death of a Clown” is a song by The Kinks, released in July 1967. It was written by the band’s lead guitarist Dave Davies, although it is often attributed to both Davies brothers—Dave and Ray. The song was a significant departure from the band’s earlier hard-rocking sound, showcasing a more introspective and melancholic side. Released as a single, it was also included on The Kinks’ album “Something Else by The Kinks.” The inspiration for “Death of a Clown” came from Dave Davies’ reflections on the music industry and his personal experiences as a performer. The song marked a turning point in his career, as it was his first solo effort, albeit still under the banner of The Kinks. The song was well-received by critics and fans alike, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and solidifying Dave Davies’ role as a significant songwriter in his own right.
Musical Style
“Death of a Clown” features a distinctive musical style that blends elements of folk rock and baroque pop. The song’s arrangement is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, including a prominent harpsichord and acoustic guitar. These instruments create a lush, melancholic sound that contrasts with the more aggressive, electric guitar-driven tracks The Kinks were known for. The song’s melody is haunting and evocative, underscored by a repetitive piano riff that adds to its somber tone. The vocal performance by Dave Davies is particularly notable for its raw emotion and vulnerability. His delivery is both plaintive and introspective, reflecting the song’s themes of disillusionment and introspection. The backing vocals, provided by Ray Davies and other band members, add depth and texture to the song, enhancing its overall impact.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Death of a Clown” are a poignant exploration of the weariness and disillusionment that often accompany a life in the spotlight. The song opens with the lines: “My makeup is dry and it cracks on my chin, I’m drowning my sorrows in whisky and gin.” These lines set the stage for the song’s introspective journey, painting a vivid picture of a performer who is exhausted and disillusioned with his life. The imagery of makeup cracking and drowning sorrows in alcohol evokes a sense of despair and resignation. The chorus of the song reinforces this theme of disillusionment: “So let’s all drink to the death of a clown, Won’t someone help me to break up this crown?” Here, the “clown” symbolizes the performer’s public persona, which is in stark contrast to his private suffering. The plea to “break up this crown” suggests a desire to escape the pressures and expectations of fame. The lyrics are both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the often hidden struggles of those who live their lives in the public eye.
Cultural Impact
“Death of a Clown” had a significant impact on both The Kinks’ career and the broader musical landscape of the late 1960s. For The Kinks, the song represented a shift towards more introspective and mature themes, setting the stage for their subsequent work, which would continue to explore complex emotional and social issues.
The song also helped to establish Dave Davies as a songwriter and performer in his own right. Up until this point, his contributions had often been overshadowed by his brother Ray’s prolific output. “Death of a Clown” showcased his unique voice and perspective, earning him critical acclaim and a place among the era’s notable songwriters. Beyond its impact on The Kinks, “Death of a Clown” resonated with audiences of the time, capturing the zeitgeist of the late 1960s. The themes of disillusionment and the duality of public and private personas were particularly relevant in a period marked by social upheaval and a growing skepticism towards established norms and institutions. The song’s success also influenced other artists of the time, contributing to the broader trend of more introspective and personal songwriting that would come to define much of the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its blend of folk rock and baroque pop elements can be seen as a precursor to the more elaborate and eclectic musical explorations that would follow in the wake of the psychedelic era.
Conclusion
“Death of a Clown” remains one of The Kinks’ most enduring and influential songs. Its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and distinctive musical style have ensured its place in the pantheon of classic rock songs. For Dave Davies, it was a landmark moment in his career, marking his emergence as a songwriter of considerable talent and depth. The song’s exploration of the darker side of fame and the weariness of the performer resonated with audiences at the time and continues to be relevant today. Its cultural impact is evident in the way it influenced subsequent musical trends and artists, contributing to a broader movement towards more personal and introspective songwriting.
In summary, “Death of a Clown” is a masterful blend of melody, lyrics, and emotional depth. It captures a moment in time while also speaking to timeless themes of human experience. For fans of The Kinks and lovers of classic rock, it remains a powerful and moving piece of music history.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
My makeup is dry and it clags on my chin
I’m drownin’ my sorrows in whiskey and gin
The lion tamer’s whip doesn’t crack anymore
The lions, they won’t fight and the tigers won’t roar
So let’s all drink to the death of a clown
Won’t someone help me to break up this crown?
Let’s all drink to the death of a clown
(La-la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)
Let’s all drink to the death of a clown
The old fortune teller lies dead on the floor
Nobody needs fortunes told anymore
The trainer of insects is crouched on his knees
And frantically lookin’ for runaway fleas
Let’s all drink to the death of a clown
So won’t someone help me to break up this crown?
Let’s all drink to the death of a clown
(La-la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)
Let’s all drink to the death of a clown
La-la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
