BE A CLOWN
Cole Porter

I'll remember forever
When I was but three
Mama, who was clever,
Remarking to me
If son, you've grown up
You want everything nice
I've got your future sewn up
If you take this advice.

Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown.
Act the fool, play the calf,
And you'll always have the last laugh.

Wear the cap and the bells
And you'll rate with all the great swells
If you become a doctor, folks'll face you with dread
If you become a dentist, they'll be glad when you're dead
You'll get a bigger hand if you can stand on your head.
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown.

Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown
Show 'em tricks, tell 'em jokes
And you'll only stop with top folks.

Be a crack jackanapes
And they'll imitate you like apes
Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears
Why be a major poet and you'll owe it for years
When crowds pay to giggle when you wiggle your ears
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown.

Be a clown, be a clown,
All the world loves a clown
If you just make 'em roar
Watch your Mountebank account soar.

Wear a painted mustache
And you're sure to make a big splash
A college education I would never propose
A bachelor's degree won't even keep you in clothes
But millions you will win if you can spin on your nose
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown.


(Be a clown, be a clown,
All the world loves a clown
Be a crazy buffoon
And the 'demoiselles'll all swoon.)

(Dress in huge baggy pants
And you'll ride the road to romance.
A butcher, or a baker, ladies never embrace
A barber for a beau would be a social disgrace
But all'll come to call if you can fall on your face,
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown.)

Be a clown, be a clown,
All the world loves a clown
Be the poor silly ass
And you'll always travel first class.

Give 'em quips, give 'em fun
And they'll pay to say you're A-one.
If you become a farmer, you've the weather to buck
If you become a gambler, you'll be struck with your luck.
But jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown.

(Lyrics in parenthesis not in original Porter lyrics.)

Lyrics copyright Warner Chappell Music Inc.

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