The Motown Series - 2

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks of my Tears

One of my favourite songs which I featured on my Monumental Soundbyte series.

This song was released in 1965 when Motown was still known as Tamla Records. This song is extra special to me because it rings true for my personality. The song is about a man hiding his sadness and heartbreak about a relationship gone bad behind smiles. The words are so eloquently delivered by the green-eyed hotness that is Smokey Robinson. This man sings like it aint no big thing.

This song topped a number of charts including Billboard’s R&B singles chart (#2) and Billboard Hot 100 (#16). It is also #50 on The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.

This song has also been covered by a number of artists including Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Gavin DeGraw, Michael McDonald and Boyz II Men.

One reason that I love the Motown era so much has a lot to do with the words of the songs. Some of them are downright cheesy and this one is one of the cheesiest ever but I just love it….The words are below. My favorite of the cheesy lines i have highlighted in red:

People say I'm the life of the party

Because 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, 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 one..

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

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..

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