Smokey Robinon and the Miracles - The Tracks Of My Tears

First performance: 06/03/1995

Coverinfo

Bruce performed the song once in full and once as a snippet. 
 
 
 
Bruce joins Soul Asylum on stage. Soul Asylum is an American alternative rock band that formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1983. It's original lineup featured Dave Pirner (lead vocals, guitar), Dan Murphy (lead guitar, backing vocals), Karl Mueller (bass guitar), and Pat Morley (drums); Morley was replaced by Grant Young (drums) in 1984, who in turn was replaced by Sterling Campbell in 1995.
 
 
 
 
 
  • Snippet
during ALISON
 
Elvis Costello cover
 
Three and one half hours of total, all out Christmas spirit - great show. The South Community Choir Of Asbury Park returns for two songs, as does Garland Jeffreys. Bruce Hornsby does his things again, and to top it off, Elvis Costello and Bruce duet on "Alison", "Tracks Of My Tears" had one verse and a chorus and rolled into"Tears Of A Clown".Nils Lofgren does "Shine Silently" . Costello and Jon Landau join for "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)". Nils Lofgren does the solo acoustic "Here Comes The Sun", because "Bobby Bandiera is out there making a living somewhere." 
 
 
 

Songinfo

"The Tracks of My Tears" is a song written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It is a multiple award-winning 1965 hit R&B song originally recorded by their group, The Miracles, on Motown's Tamla label. In the five-LP publication The Motown Story, by Motown Records, Robinson explained the origin of this song in these words:
 
"'Tracks of My Tears' was actually started by Marv Tarplin, who is a young cat who plays guitar for our act. So he had this musical thing [sings melody], you know, and we worked around with it, and worked around, and it became 'Tracks of My Tears'." Tarplin's guitar licks at the song's intro are among the most famous in pop music history."
 
 
 

Other cover versions

Bruce on the artist

Lyrics

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