About the song
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a song that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. Written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin, this 1965 R&B hit was originally recorded by The Miracles on Motown’s Tamla label. The song’s legacy is profound, with the original version by The Miracles selling over a million copies and being honored with numerous awards and accolades. It has been inducted into The Grammy Hall of Fame and is ranked No. 127 in the “Songs of the Century” list by the Recording Industry Association of America and The National Endowment for the Arts. Additionally, Rolling Stone has positioned it at No. 50 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and in 2021, it was declared “The Greatest Motown Song of All Time” by the same publication.
The creation of “The Tracks of My Tears” has a fascinating backstory. In the Motown Story, Robinson recounted how the song’s inception began with Marv Tarplin, the group’s guitarist. Tarplin’s memorable guitar riff became the foundation upon which the rest of the song was built. This melody, combined with Robinson’s poignant lyrics, resulted in a timeless classic that resonates with listeners even today. The song’s opening guitar licks are some of the most recognizable in pop music history, adding to its enduring appeal.
Upon its release, “The Tracks of My Tears” achieved significant commercial success. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though it did not initially chart in the UK in 1965, a reissue in 1969 saw it climb to No. 9, credited to “Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.” This track is often regarded as one of The Miracles’ finest recordings, and its widespread acclaim is a testament to its impact on the music industry.
The song’s influence extends beyond its commercial success. It has been preserved by the United States Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the decades. The Miracles’ original recording of “The Tracks of My Tears” continues to be celebrated, appearing on various “best of” lists and receiving prestigious awards, such as the ASCAP Award of Merit for its composers.
In summary, “The Tracks of My Tears” is more than just a song; it is a piece of musical history. Its soulful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and iconic guitar riff have cemented its place as a classic. The numerous accolades and recognitions it has received over the years highlight its enduring significance and its role in shaping the sound of Motown and the broader musical landscape.
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Lyrics
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
If you look 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, ooh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my makeup
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 a closer, it’s easy to trace
Oh, the tracks of my tears
Baby, baby, baby, baby take a good look at my face
You’ll see my smile, looks out of place
You look little bit closer, it’s easy to trace
Yeah, the tracks of my tears