Tracks of My Tears

Song Meaning of The Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles

Audiences would break into tears when Robinson and the Miracles performed “The Tracks of My Tears.” “It tapped into their emotions,” said Warren “Pete” Moore of the Miracles.

Pete Townshend of The Who, was obsessed the lyric “substitute” (“Although she may be cute/She’s just a substitute”). he said, “that I decided to celebrate the word with a song all its own” — which is how he came to write the Who’s 1966 hit “Substitute.”

The song "Tracks of My Tears" was originally created by Marv Tarplin, a young kitty who plays guitar for our act, according to Robinson, who also provided the following explanation. He had this musical idea, so we played around with it and eventually it became "Tracks of My Tears".

Motown founder Berry Gordy proclaimed it a masterpiece.

Tracks of My Tears lyrics by Smokey Robinson

People say I'm the life of the party

'Cause 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)

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

Look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears

I need you (need you)

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

Baby, take a good look at my face

You'll see my smile looks out of place

Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears

Take a good look at my face

Ooh yeah, you'll see my smile looks out of place

Look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears