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Death of a Clown

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The Kinks

About Death of a Clown

"Death of a Clown" is a song by Dave Davies, member of British rock group The Kinks, released as his debut solo single in 1967. The song was co-written with his brother Ray Davies, who contributed the 5-bar "La la la" hook; Ray's first wife, Rasa, sings this phrase as well as descant in the second verse, while Ray himself sings harmony in the refrain. Nicky Hopkins played the distinctive introduction, using fingerpicks on the strings of a piano. The single was credited to Dave Davies but the song also appeared on the Kinks' album Something Else by The Kinks, released later in 1967.  


Year:
2004
3:13
39 
#1

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My makeup is dry and it cracks round my chin
I'm drowning 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

La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
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 looking for runaway fleas

La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
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...

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The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups of the era. Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues, British music hall, folk and country. Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals) remained members throughout the group's 32-year run. Original members Pete Quaife (bass guitar, vocals) and Mick Avory (drums and percussion) were replaced by John Dalton in 1969 and Bob Henrit in 1984, respectively. Dalton was in turn replaced by Jim Rodford in 1978. Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins accomp… more »

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Sheet Music      PDF     

Written by: Dave Davies, Raymond Douglas Davies

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

10 facts about this song

Song Origins
"Death of a Clown" is a song by Dave Davies, who was the lead guitarist and vocalist for the British rock band, The Kinks.
Release Details
The song was first released in July 1967 as a single on Pye Records in the UK and Reprise Records in the US.
Co-Writing Collaboration
The song was co-written by Dave Davies and his brother, Ray Davies, who was also the primary songwriter and frontman of The Kinks.
Album Inclusion
"Death of a Clown" eventually appeared on The Kinks' fifth studio album, "Something Else" which was released later in 1967.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as one of the highest-charting singles by Dave Davies in his solo career.
Musical Style
The song is notable for its classic baroque pop and folk sound, featuring a mournful melody played on an acoustic guitar and a haunting organ in the background.
Song Interpretation
"Death of a Clown" is often interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the challenges that come with a life in the public eye.
Dave's Solo Career
The success of the song led the record company to consider launching Dave Davies's solo career; however, this plan did not fully materialize.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Death of a Clown" has been covered by several artists, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Notable versions include those by Noel Gallagher and the heavy metal band, Grave Digger.
Enduring Legacy
Even today, "Death of a Clown" remains one of Dave Davies's best-known songs and is often hailed as a classic of British 1960s pop music.

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