The Clown (Conway Twitty song)

"The Clown" is a song recorded by American country music artist Conway Twitty. It was released in February 1982 as the first single and title track from the album The Clown.

The song is a ballad that tells the story of a performer, a clown, who hides his true feelings of loneliness and heartbreak behind a painted smile. He entertains audiences, providing laughter and joy, while inwardly suffering from a lost love. The lyrics depict the contrast between his public persona and his private emotional state.

"The Clown" became a significant hit for Twitty, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April 1982. The song’s popularity solidified its place as one of Twitty's signature songs and a staple on country music radio. It is regarded as a classic example of country music storytelling, exploring themes of sadness, resilience, and the disparity between outward appearances and inner turmoil. The success of the single also contributed to the strong performance of the album The Clown.