People say I’m the life of the party/
Because I tell a joke or two.

“Tracks of My Tears” has to have of the best opening lines to a song in pop/rock history. Smokey Robinson is heartbroken because his girl broke up with him. He tries to put on a happy face, but he admits it is all a façade; he feels horrible. If you look really closely you’ll see the tracks of his tears. (Get it–the tears running down his face leave a figurative or literal mark).

He is surviving though…he is still going to parties, having fun with other girls…he is just not happy about it. Exploring options with other women sounds like the healthiest way to get over a heartbreak.

This song came out in ’65 and is a good example of where pop music was at the time. It was pure. Compare that to where Rock was at that time and it is such a huge disparity. Around this time Gracie Slick was writing White Rabbit; the gulf between rock and pop was never greater than during this time. Both traditions produced lasting classics.

Lyrics Tracks of My Tears
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.

Songwriters: Marvin Tarplin / Smokey Robinson / Warren Moore / William Robinson Jr.