I guess Id been looking for this piece of music since, gosh, the mid 1970s. I had found it hard to find the music of Anthony Newley. But this is the age of the Internet and immediate access to everything thats ever been. The Man Who Makes You Laugh that Newley sings is a haunting piece of despair, loneliness, and melancholy. And I think, though some may not agree, that the song describes me somewhat accurately; there are some parts that are flat out biographical (most pointedly as I reflect on one major disappointment near the Spring of 1997). Its simultaneously a sad and happy and pleading song. I feel all those emotions on most days: THE MAN WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH Look around you, Mr. Clown. Youre drowning in your dreams. A sea of strangers each one reaching out for you. Make us laugh, Mr. Funny Man. Fame at last, Mr. Funny Man. Could the love you crave be waiting in some womans heart? Or must you spend these endless nights alone among the crowd, Bowing for their laughter in the dark? Wiping off the custard pie that life just loves to throw? Knowing when the audience goes home that youll be alone? Look at me! Look at me! Im the Funny Man! Have you ever heard such clever stuff before? Applauded Time Magazine: Hes the laughter machine. Im the man who makes you laugh! You killed them at The Palace and you thrilled em in L.A. The waiters at the deli know it all by heart Make us laugh, Mr. Funny Man! Be a daft, dummy, funny man! Everyones an audience and lifes a funny line. When the curtains sinking are you thinking of the day Mother gave your dancing shoes a shine, Pushed you on the stage and whispered, Kid, youll be alright! The spotlight hurts your eyes, But stirs the spark that burns now in your heart. Look at me! Look at me! Im the Funny Man! And my home is any microphone thats free! Made with nerves of caffeine Im the laughter machine! Im the man who makes you laugh! The monster with the thousand eyes is shouting to be fed. Get your head together for the second show! Make us laugh, Mr. Funny Man! Autograph, Mr. Funny Man! Fear will drink your whiskey, While you think of her embrace Trying to forget her letter of goodbye, Stares as you repair your painted face. When did she discover that the spotlight was your armor, I ask my own reflection and i see The Funny Man is me. Look at me! Look at me! Im the Funny Man! Hello, folks! It seems the joke was all on me! But thats all in the dream of the laughter machine. Im the man who makes you laugh.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 04:19:48 +0000