(Verse)
[SERAFIN]
I remember forever
When I was three
Mama, who was clever
Remarking to me
"Son, when you're grown up
And you want everything nice
I've got your future sewn up
If you'll take this advice."

(Chorus 1)
[SERAFIN]
Be a clown
Be a clown
All the world
Loves a clown
Be a 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
(instrumental break)

(Chorus 2)
[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
Be a clown
Be a clown
All the world
Loves a clown

[SERAFIN]
Show them tricks

[MANUELA]
Tell 'em jokes

[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
And you'll only stop with top folks
Wear some huge
Baggy pants
And you'll ride the road to romance

[SERAFIN]
A butcher or a baker ladies never embrace

[MANUELA]
A barber at a ball would be a social disgrace
[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
They all will come to call if you can fall on your face
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown

(Chorus 3)
[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
Be a clown
Be a clown
All the world
Loves a clown

[SERAFIN]
Be a grande buffoon

[MANUELA]
And the demoiselles'll all swoon

[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
Be a crack Jackanapes
And they'll imitate you like apes

[SERAFIN]
Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears?

[MANUELA]
Why be a major poet and you'll owe it for years
[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
When crowds'll pay to giggle if you wiggle your ears?
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown

(Chorus 4)
[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
Be a clown
Be a clown
All the world
Loves a clown

[SERAFIN]
Be the poor, silly ass

[MANUELA]
And you'll always travel first class

[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
Give 'em quips, give 'em fun
And they'll happy to say you're A-1

[SERAFIN]
If you become a farmer, you've the weather to buck

[MANUELA]
If you become a gambler, then you're stuck with your luck

[SERAFIN AND MANUELA]
But Jack, you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown

(comedy break)

Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown