Billy Bragg

Songwriter: Marv Tarplin Smokey Robinson Warren “Pete” Moore

Producer: John Porter Kenny Jones

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

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
Because you're the permanent on&101

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

Hey, hey, yeah
Outside I'm masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
I'm just a clown, yeah, oh, 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
If you look closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

Billy Brag born in 1957 in Essex, was since a young age very inspired by punk, and politically motivated folk music. After attending the Rock Against Fascism concert where he saw The Clash perform, that was when he finally made the decision to pursue a left wing politically driven music career.

He first formed the punk band Riff Raff in 1977, but with no exposure the band broke apart in 1980. After a bad start of his music career he decided to join the British Army, but after only three months he bought himself out and headed back home.

With some of his albums starting to get more coverage, like “Between the Wars” which then got onto the top 20 of the UK Top Singles chart.

From the album

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry (1986)

Billy Bragg popular songs

The Tracks of My TearsBilly Bragg

Billy Bragg