Send In the Clowns

[FoxieRoxie]

I know it's a song title also, but what does "Send in the Clowns" mean? It was part of my horoscope for today and I just wanted some outside opinions. Thanks.

[FoxieRoxie]

Well, I could have taken it literally on my own.

[jno]

I think the idea is 'I need cheering up, where are the clowns?' Wikipedia says: It is a slow, mournful ballad, in which the character Desiree reflects on the ironies and disappointments in her life.

[heathfield]

When something goes wrong in a circus, they 'send in the clowns' as a fill-in act until they get things sorted out. The song complains about the singer's life going wrong, (presumably in life's circus), so, till it gets sorted out, where are the clowns?
I remember hearing a radio program where Stephen Sondheim (who wrote the song) complained to the interviewer that everyone seemed to be singing it slower and slower, making it sound like a dirge. In actual fact, he said, it should be played and sung as a quick-time number, as was intended when he wrote it.

[FoxieRoxie]

"You can't seem to reach them. Maybe you're not speaking their language, or maybe they're not listening. Either way, it's time to send in the clowns." This is what my horoscope said under the category of love. So, should I put on a big red nose?

[redbreast]

"Send in the Clowns" was a sad ballad or was it a bad salad

[musicmole]

hi foxieroxie, thats exactly what my horoscope today said which is how I came to see your question. You're not a pisces by any chance? I think we have to put ourselves first for a change and have some fun!