Circus

Erasure

About Circus

"The Circus" is a song by British synthpop duo Erasure, released in September 1987 as the band's seventh single overall. It is also the title track on their second album, The Circus. The album version clocks at 5.30 minutes, so the song was remixed for single release to a much more radio-friendly 3:50 minutes. Mute Records issued it as the fourth and final single from the album. Written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, "The Circus" was a departure from the shiny pop of their six previous singles, creating a more down-tempo and melancholy mood. Essentially a synthpop track, the music is accentuated by acoustic guitar and a continuous circus-like accordion. The lyrics touch on social issues, rare for the duo, and centre on the lament of "working men", whose bright futures and job securities are left shattered in the modern world of greedy corporations and technology. The song's distinctive and unusual sound is said to have been inspired by Bell hearing a record being played backwards. Despite its haunting quality and dark lyrical content, "The Circus" became Erasure's third UK Top 10 hit, peaking at number six. 


Year:
2006
96 

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Call it new technology
And they use it to burn
And they show no concern
Work for their prosperity
While the big wheels turn
Now it's too late to learn

Don't upset the teacher
Though we know he lied to you
Don't upset the preacher
He's gonna close his eyes for you

And it's a shame
That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting
In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream

Father worked in industry
Now the work has moved on
And the factory's gone
See them sell your history
Where once you were strong
And you used to belong

There was once a future
For a working man
There was once a lifetime
For a skillful hand yesterday

And it's a shame
That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting
In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream

There was once a future
For a working man
There was once a lifetime
For a skillful hand yesterday

And it's a shame
That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting
In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Of a broken, of a broken dream

 Struggling with Circus? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Erasure

Erasure are an English synthpop duo, consisting of songwriter and keyboardist Vince Clarke and singer and songwriter Andy Bell. Erasure entered the music scene in 1985 with their debut single "Who Needs Love Like That". Following the release of their fourth single "Sometimes", the duo established itself on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the most successful artists of the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s. more »

1 fan

Written by: HOWARD HELM

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Circus" was released in the United States on 27 March 1987. It was one of the earliest songs released by the British synth-pop band Erasure.
Standout Single
The song is one of the noticeable singles from the album "The Circus." The album is the second one released by the band.
Artist Composition
Erasure, the artistry behind "Circus," is a duo composed of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. Andy is the lead vocalist, while Vince is the mastermind behind the synthesizers.
Album Theme
The song Circus, along with other tracks in "The Circus" album, covers themes of love, vulnerability, and personal experiences.
Chart Performance
"Circus" achieved moderate success. Additionally, the commercial success of the album itself was significant, reaching number 6 in the UK Albums Chart.
Popular Genres
The song falls under the Synth-pop and New wave genres.
Live Performances
Erasure often includes "Circus" in their live sets, illustrating the song's popularity among fans and its importance to the group's repertoire.
Critical Acclaim
The song has earned favourable reviews from music critics and is considered a standout track from the album "The Circus."
Record Label
The song was launched under the Mute Records label, which is known for promoting groundbreaking electro-pop music.
Music Video
The music video for "Circus" reflects the song's imagery and emotional depth. It features the band members performing in a surreal circus setting, fitting the song's title.

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