I put on a fake smile
And start the evening show
The public is laughing
I guess by now they know

So climb from your high horse
And pull this freak show down
Dear Madam Barnum
I resign as clown

You said I was the master of all I surveyed
But now I'm sweeping up
The last in line in your circus parade

Children are clapping
As I fall to the floor
My heart torn and broken
And they just scream for more

If I'm not the sole fool
Who pulls his trousers down
Then dear Madam Barnum
I resign as clown

You tread the high wire
Between truth and lies
Your safety net just walked out
Much to your surprise

Strike up the band love
And let the show begin
For this is the last time
I'm painting on a grin

If I'm not the sole fool
Who pulls his trousers down
Then dear Madam Barnum
I resign as clown
I resign as clown
I resign as clown


Lyrics submitted by BlueAndStarry

Dear Madam Barnum Lyrics as written by Andy Partridge

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Dear Madam Barnum song meanings
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5 Comments

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  • +2
    Song Meaning

    This song was written by Andy after his breakdown on stage and refusal to ever tour again. He was dealing with chemical dependency, anxiety issues and a a failed marriage. However, the biggest motivation in the song was his statement that the band never made one cent from touring. He said that the band was touring constantly to sold-out shows, dumbing down songs so they could be played in concert, yet were not receiving any monetary reward. I believe Andy is likening himself to a circus performer, like a clown, that made others money, but never saw any reward for themselves. In the end of the song, Andy announces to the people that were exploiting the band for touring money, that the band had in fact resigned as their clown.

    Guszakon October 20, 2018   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    great XTC song. My take: a man experiencing the rotten emotions of his wifes extamarital affairs. They have always been great with double entendre and tongue in cheek lyrics.

    diverdaveon September 01, 2006   Link
  • 0
    Question

    Who is Madam Barnum? Is it a self-invented persona (by Partridge) to impersonate evil forces, or is she someone we might actually know from ancient tales?

    sneeuwitjeon November 23, 2020   Link
  • 0
    Song Fact

    https//nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Taylor_Barnum is the source for the antagonist's surname 'Barnum'. But the 'Madam' part of her is unexposed, as yet...

    sneeuwitjeon November 23, 2020   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    That works very well on the second chorus/third verse, indeed, diverdave.

    DominElon March 27, 2008   Link

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