Send in the Clowns – On the Rocks

by Author

This song was originally from Stephen Sondheim’s 1973 musical A Little Night Music. He wrote it in one night three nights before the opening night as the leading lady, Glynis Johns, didn’t have her own song. In the musical, Johns’ character is looking back on her life with great disappointment when she performs this song.

Isn’t it rich? Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground, you in mid-air,
Where are the clowns?

Isn’t it bliss? Don’t you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who can’t move, where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns?

Just when I’d stopped opening doors,
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines. No one is there.

Don’t you love farce? My fault, I fear
I thought that you’d want what I want – Sorry, my dear!
But where are the clowns? Send in the clowns
Don’t bother, they’re here

Isn’t it rich? Isn’t it queer?
Losing my timing this late in my career
But where are the clowns? There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year.