Evening Sun features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, Hammond B3 organ, Wurlitzer), J.V. Collier (bass), Bonnie Bonaparte (drums), Doug Derryberry (guitar, 12-string guitar).
Release: Lost and Found on the Spirit Trail (2023)
Clown’s Tambourine meaning of the song
Performance and the mask of entertainment
Bruce Hornsby’s Clown’s Tambourine is an exploration of the life of an entertainer, dealing with the themes of performance, vulnerability, and hiding behind a mask. The “clown” in the song is a metaphor for someone who is expected to entertain and bring joy to others, even when they are struggling internally. This dichotomy between outward joy and inner pain is central to the meaning of the song.
The performer, represented as a clown, is caught in a cycle of putting on a show, as seen in the lines, “I’ll be your funny guy, you’ll see no tears on me.” This reinforces the idea that performers, much like clowns, often suppress their true emotions in order to fulfil their role. The tambourine itself becomes a symbol of this performance, an instrument that adds to the spectacle while the clown hides their pain behind the act.
Nervousness and self-reflection
The opening verse expresses the character’s nervousness and self-doubt, as Bruce sings, “I’m sitting back / Stage and I’m / So nervous, I can’t see straight.” The fear and anxiety of performing are laid bare here, but quickly dismissed with the thought, “Hey, stupid / Not such a bad / It’s a pretty good / Good gig after all.” This moment of self-reflection shows the entertainer grappling with the pressures of their job while trying to convince themselves that it’s worth it, despite the emotional toll.
This moment of internal conflict is relatable to anyone who has faced the pressures of public performance or being in the spotlight, highlighting the mental strain that often comes with such roles.
The historical context of clowns and minstrels
In the line, “Feeling like a / Old vaudeville / Minstrel show / Entertainer in a white face, black face,” Bruce references the historical tradition of minstrel shows, where white performers would wear blackface and exaggerate racial stereotypes. This controversial reference serves as a critical comment on the degrading nature of some forms of entertainment, where performers are reduced to caricatures for the amusement of others. The phrase “Nothin’ but a disgrace” further emphasises the negative connotations of this form of entertainment.
By invoking the imagery of minstrel shows and vaudeville performers, Bruce draws a connection between these historically demeaning performances and the character of the clown in the song. Both are entertainers who are forced to wear masks, both literally and metaphorically, to hide their true selves for the sake of the audience’s pleasure.
The clown as a tragic figure
Throughout the song, the clown character is portrayed as a tragic figure, doing whatever it takes to entertain, including “running around wild” and “jumping up and down.” These actions reflect the physical and emotional exhaustion of constantly having to perform. Despite the demands, the clown maintains the facade, insisting, “There’ll be no tears on me.”
The repetition of this phrase underscores the pressure on the performer to appear happy and unaffected, even when they are feeling bleak or vulnerable. The line, “Try not to feel so bleak / Never show ’em that you’re weak,” highlights the emotional strain of having to constantly suppress one’s feelings in order to maintain the illusion of joy and fun.
The circus-like environment
Bruce creates a surreal and almost grotesque circus-like atmosphere, especially in the lines, “The she-freak screams / The sheik meek geek beams.” These characters evoke a carnival or sideshow environment, where oddities and freaks are displayed for public entertainment. The use of the term “freak” and the description of these characters adds to the sense of absurdity and artificiality in the world of the clown.
The line “They’re all laughing with me / Try not to feel so bleak” suggests that the laughter and attention from the audience provide some validation, but it’s fleeting and ultimately shallow. The performer must continue to maintain the illusion of happiness even as the reality around them feels bleak.
Summary
“Clown’s Tambourine” is a deeply reflective song that uses the metaphor of a clown to explore the tension between outward performance and inner pain. The imagery of the tambourine jangling in the lights represents the performer’s showmanship, while the repeated assertion that “you’ll see no tears on me” speaks to the emotional suppression required in the role of an entertainer. Bruce draws connections between modern entertainers and historical figures like vaudeville performers and minstrels, critiquing the ways in which performers are often forced to wear masks to appease the audience. The song paints the clown as a tragic figure, bound by the expectations of others and unable to reveal their true self. Through vivid imagery and cultural references, “Clown’s Tambourine” provides a commentary on the emotional burden carried by those who perform for a living, both past and present.
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