
The Tears Of A Clown (arr. Eric Benjamin)
by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Full Orchestra - Digital Sheet Music
“The Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles is a 1970 Motown hit known for its upbeat melody contrasting with sad lyrics. The song, which topped charts in the US and UK, explores the theme of a performer hiding inner pain behind a cheerful facade. Its memorable circus-like instrumental arrangement and Robinson’s poignant storytelling have made it an enduring classic in the Motown catalog.
Eric Benjamin’s orchestral arrangement of “The Tears of a Clown” transforms the Motown classic into a lush symphonic experience. The arrangement expands the original’s iconic calliope-style riff across various orchestral sections, with soaring strings and emotive brass capturing the song’s bittersweet essence.