The Circus

Erasure

About The 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:
1987
25 

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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

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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 »

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Written by: HOWARD HELM

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Origin
Erasure is a British synth-pop duo composed of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. They are popular for their songs that often tackle themes about love, romance, and heartbreak.
Album Release
"The Circus" is the title track of Erasure's second album, which was released in March 1987.
Significant Lyrics
Notably, the lyrics of "The Circus" were intended as social commentary about the abusive treatment of the poor and homeless.
Chart Success
Upon its release, "The Circus" song reached the number 6 spot in the UK Singles Chart, making it one of Erasure's biggest hits.
Song Theme
The song carries a melancholic and introspective tone, which is a stark contrast to the duo's otherwise exuberant and energetic musical style.
Album Artwork
The album cover for "The Circus" features a playful, circus-themed design, crafted by the graphic design team Me Company.
Music Video
The music video for "The Circus" was directed by John Maybury and features the duo performing the song amidst a dystopian backdrop.
Live Performances
"The Circus" often features in Erasure’s live sets, even decades after its release, testifying to the song's timeless appeal.
Genre Classification
"The Circus" is classified under the synth-pop (synthesizer pop) genre, which was highly influential in shaping the sound of the late 1980s.
Album Success
"The Circus" album was a major success for Erasure, reaching number 20 on the UK Albums Chart and cementing their place as prominent figures in the synth-pop movement.

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