The Tracks of My Tears

Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Smokey Robinson

About The Tracks of My Tears

"The Tracks of My Tears" is a song written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It is a multiple award-winning 1965 hit R&B song originally recorded by their group, The Miracles, on Motown's Tamla label. In 1967, Johnny Rivers covered the song and his version was a number 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Linda Ronstadt recorded a hit cover of her own in 1975 that reached number 25 on the Hot 100 chart. Numerous other artists have recorded the song over the years.


Year:
2006
2:51
112 
#1

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People say I'm the life of the party
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue

So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

I need you...
Need you, need you, 

Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I'm having fun
Although she may be cute, she's just a substitute
'Cause you're the permanent one

So take a good look at my face
You' see my smile looks out of place
If you look a little bit closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

I need you...
Need you, need you, 

Outside I'm masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
I'm just a clown since you put me down
My smile is my make up
I wear since my break-up with you

Baby, take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

Baby, baby baby baby take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
Look a little bit closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

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Smokey Robinson

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and front man of the popular Motown vocal group The Miracles, for which he also served as the group's chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as The Five Chimes until 1972 when he announced a retirement from the stage to focus on his role as Motown's vice president. more »

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Written by: Marvin Tarplin, Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, William Robinson Jr.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Composer and Performer
"The Tracks of My Tears" was originally composed and performed by the Motown group, The Miracles, with their main vocalist, Smokey Robinson.
Success
Released in 1965, the song was a major success and became one of the Miracles' most enduring and significant songs.
Billboard Rankings
In its initial release, the song reached number 2 on Billboard Magazine's R&B singles chart, and number 16 on Billboard's Hot 100.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Johnny Rivers and Linda Ronstadt.
Johnny Rivers Version
Johnny Rivers released his cover of "The Tracks of My Tears" in 1967 and it reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was a pop hit in the U.S.
Linda Ronstadt Version
Linda Ronstadt also covered the song in 1975, and her version managed to reach number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Awards and Accolades
In 2007, "The Tracks of My Tears" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its "historical, artistic and significant" value.
Cultural Significance
In 2008, it got listed in the United States National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Inspiration
The song was reportedly inspired by Smokey Robinson’s want to write a slower, more emotional song compared to his earlier lively numbers.
Songwriting
Along with Robinson, the other two co-songwriters for the song were Miracles' members Pete Moore and Marv Tarplin.
Music Influence
The song's success set a starting point for an era of slow and emotional songs to take precedence in the Motown record label's successes.

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