Released: June 23, 1965
Songwriter: Warren “Pete” Moore Marv Tarplin Smokey Robinson
Producer: Smokey Robinson
{Intro}
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
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 (need you)
[Verse 2]
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 one
[Chorus]
So 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
I need you (need you)
Need you (need you)
(Outside) I'm masquerading
(Inside) my hope is fading
Just a clown, oh yeah, 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
Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
Take a good look at my face
Ooh yeah, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
{outro}
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
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 (need you)
[Verse 2]
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 one
[Chorus]
So 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
I need you (need you)
Need you (need you)
(Outside) I'm masquerading
(Inside) my hope is fading
Just a clown, oh yeah, 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
Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
Take a good look at my face
Ooh yeah, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
{outro}
more tracks from the album
From the albums
- Going to a Go-Go (1965)
- Greatest Hits, Volume 2 (1968)
- Anthology (1974)
- The Big Chill (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1983)
- The 35th Anniversary Collection (1994)
- Music From and Inspired by The Big Chill: Deluxe Edition (1998)
- Capital Gold Soul Legends (2003)
- The Complete Motown Singles | Vol. 5: 1965 (2006)
- Last Holiday (Music From the Motion Picture) (2006)
- Greatest Ever Love: The Definitive Collection (2006)
- Platoon and Songs from the Era (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2009)
- Hitsville: The Making of Motown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from the Showtime Documentary Fi (2019)
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles popular songs
- The Tears of a Clown
- Ooo Baby Baby
- The Tracks of My Tears
- I Second That Emotion
- Much Better Off
- A Fork in the Road
- My Business, Your Pleasure
- My Love Is Your Love (Forever)
- Promise Me
- There’s A Sad Story Here
- Yes, No, Maybe So
- I’m on the Outside (Looking in)
- Doggone Right
- You Must Be Love
- I Don’t Blame You at All
- Abraham, Martin and John
- Going to a Go-Go
- Choosey Beggar
- It’s Christmas Time
- My Girl
- The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage
- Here I Go Again
- Point It Out (single version) (Mono)
- After You Put Back the Pieces (I’ll Still Have a Broken Heart)