About the song
Judy Collins’s rendition of “Send In The Clowns” is a timeless masterpiece that resonates with listeners of all ages. Written by the prolific composer Stephen Sondheim, this haunting ballad first appeared in the 1973 musical “A Little Night Music.”
Collins’s emotive interpretation of the song is featured on her album “Judith,” released in 1975. Her delicate yet powerful vocals, accompanied by gentle piano melodies, capture the poignant beauty of Sondheim’s lyrics.
“Send In The Clowns” has received widespread acclaim since its release, earning Collins a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1976. The song’s profound exploration of love, regret, and the passage of time has touched the hearts of millions, making it a staple in Collins’s repertoire and a standout track in the American folk music canon.
Throughout her illustrious career, Collins has continued to perform “Send In The Clowns” to critical and commercial acclaim. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its inclusion in numerous film soundtracks, television shows, and live performances.
With its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, “Send In The Clowns” remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the enduring power of music to evoke deep-seated emotions. Judy Collins’s masterful rendition ensures that this classic ballad will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come./
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Lyrics
Isn’t it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
You in mid-air,
Where are the clowns?
Isn’t it bliss?
Don’t you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who can’t move,
Where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns?
Just when I’d stopped opening doors,
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines
No one is there
Don’t you love 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?
There ought to be clowns
Well, maybe next year