This is probably one of my favorite tunes of all-time. I also love Barbra Streisand's version from The Broadway Album. Judy's original hit version and then Barbra's are my two favorites.
I totally agree with you jaws.Who in the hell is this "Lady Googoo"? or whatever her name is..She was on TV singing with "Tony Bennette" she had green hair.Can you tell me why all the teens go crazy for her? She really looks like a Ringling Bros. clown with all the stupid outfits she wears. She might be a good singer.But why you got to dress up like a clown for?
The major labels promote a quick buck with disposable hip-hop, dance pop, gangsta rap, crap metal and trendy pop punk, while the bands that burn slowly with the potential to sell millions of records and actually change music itself are passed over. Remember the independent labels signed Metallica, Nirvana and practically every band that has influenced other bands to try harder and do better things with music.
How much of the greatness of the 70s music scene happened directly because of Monterrey Pop and even more so Woodstock forcing the repressive, conservative major labels to invest in youthful singer-songwriters? From about 1967 to 1976 all of the greatest of the singer-songwriters were performing all at the same time with major label support for the first and last time in history. James Taylor, Neil Young, Lennon-McCartney, Jagger-Richards, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, etc.
Hate to be a nudge but the song is about a trapeze duo. Refer to the reference about "one on the ground....one who can't move". One (the female) falls, appears to suffer paralysis and expects that the male will wait for her during the recuperation period. She obviously is wrong and he moves on. I read this in a story about Judy Collins and the meaning of the song. The clowns are for distraction and to keep people's minds off of the problems caused by the fall.
@JailBlazersNoMore The song IS about clowns. In the show from where this song comes, the couple has reached an impasse in their relationship. Because the woman was a performer on stage in Vaudeville plays, when the play was a flop and the audience was booing, the call to "send in the clowns" and get the crowds attention was sounded back stage i.e. our relationship is going South.... before it gets maudlin, we best change the act and "send clowns" in. BRIAN
@redbrian3655 Read what Steven Sondheim says about the song, he says, "[I]t's a theater reference meaning 'if the show isn't going well, let's send in the clowns'; in other words, let's do the jokes". I meant it isn't literally about clowns. I get that this is a children's show, but the way the clowns act in the background just ruins it for me.
OMG!!! I haven't heard this song in years. It's very beautiful and Judy Collins does and outstanding job with it. The very first time I heard her sing this was on Good Times so many years ago. That has always been my favorite version. Does anyone know if that one is on youtube?
The juxtaposition of the frolicking clowns to the sad music perfectly illustrates the difficulty of being heartbroken while others around you are happy and oblivious to your sorrow. Anyone who has known true sadness understands this.
When I was 9 years old I had an uncle who was a music teacher, taught in his home. I used to go over after school to play in the yard with the dog. There was a pretty long haired girl with blue eyes there. My uncle gave her piano, guitar and auto harp lessons. We had milk & cookies together several times in my aunt's kitchen. It was a 12 year old Judy Collins years before she was to become famous. Who knew. She was very pretty and sweet. Yes Metaphoid...it's me... professor show tunes.
@Metaphoid It's taken me ten minutes to comment because I couldn't stop laughing. No really, I doubt very seriously that Lady Gaga even "gets" this song. And then she'd probably have to do a costume change. Maybe a slutty space clown. She wants us to listen with our eyes. I don't fault her voice but if she wants to be taken serioulsy she might try leaving her "meat dress wardrobe" back stage just once and we'll listen with our ears. Sweet Judy Blue Eyes and Old Blue Eyes own this song!
@Metaphoid This has not one thing to do with gender. I'm a guy, I got it first time I heard it. I've had to explain this song to several female friends over the course of my lifetime including my late wife. If you've never been to an old fashioned circus you wouldn't know why or when they "send in the clowns". Stephen Sondheim got it when HE wrote it. Years ago he sat in on a recording session with Barbara Streisand and between takes she asked him what the song meant and she was recording it!
@valleyofgalon No, I was calling Lady Gaga a guy. Calling Gaga a guy a running gag. You said Gaga wouldn't get the song - most guys don't. However, from a stereotypical view, most guy wouldn't get this song. Or if they did, probably wouldn't admit to it. I couldn't make heads or tails of it for years until I heard Mel Torme explain what it was about before singing it. I can picture Raymond from "Everybody Loves Raymond" listening to it with a total look of exasperated confusion.
@Metaphoid Come to think about it, it's actually a pretty morbid song for the Muppet Show. About a trapeze artists falling to her slow death as clowns come dancing in to distract the audience. "Send in the clowns, I'm lying in a pool of blood"
Hahahahaha,'send in the clowns,I'm lying in a pool of blood'.Hahahahahahahaha! I recall Dame Judi Dench talk-singing this once & I thought,'bleeding hell,yes,PLEASE send in the sodding clowns,ANYTHING to distract us from the travesty of her 'performance'.
@Metaphoid That running joke passed right over my head. Pretty damned funny! My bad. Lady Guyguy. Good voice but no one really notices. I got the meaning of Send in The Clowns from attending to many saw dust circuses when I was kid. You are right about men not admitting we don't know something. A guy thing for sure. You heard Mel Torme sing? Mr. "Velvet Fog"? He would guest appearance on Night Court in the 80's remember? I got a story 4 you about "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes" Collins.
Spooky, I remember watching this but always thought it was from TOTPs, but it was The Muppet Show! Beautifil song, wonderfully performed. This song was a top 10 hit in the UK in 1975 and Judy's version is the best I have ever heard. Thank you for posting this lovely piece of my childhood!
@OctoberLandon I really think the same way. I had to look closely to see, that the clown are doing the things Judy Collins is sining about. Thank you for the comment.
The clowns are very appropriate for this song. I guess you have to actually be at this point (or have been) in your life to understand. The clowns help portray the irony, confusion and regret one can experience as they look back on a life of wrong decisions. You do feel like a fool/clown.
@jawsjaws1174 There are very talented singers and instrumentalists today. Most are unheard of, because the big record companies are only interested in a quick buck and won't sign slow burners and game changers in pop music today. Technology has hurt the record companies, but mostly what killed them was lack of vision. Also, in this much more cynical (even than the 70s) and information overloaded society, people who show too much humanity get crushed to death. We did it. Blame YouTube. lol
ALWAYS LOVED THIS SONG SAW IT WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS 3 THIS VERSION FROM SESAME STREET ALWAYS WILL HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART AND MEMORIES I NEVER WANT TO FORGET
Poor Krusty
MuslimRayGuns 1 week ago
this makes me cry, judy collins is simply lovely, thanks to post this n_n
theshinjiheart 2 weeks ago
she did this on the Dick Cavit show also......still great!
geoffnjersey 2 weeks ago
Should I be laughing or crying right now?
costerluver 3 weeks ago 2
What in the hell?
ejectorerector 1 month ago
This is probably one of my favorite tunes of all-time. I also love Barbra Streisand's version from The Broadway Album. Judy's original hit version and then Barbra's are my two favorites.
sneeyize45 1 month ago
I totally agree with you jaws.Who in the hell is this "Lady Googoo"? or whatever her name is..She was on TV singing with "Tony Bennette" she had green hair.Can you tell me why all the teens go crazy for her? She really looks like a Ringling Bros. clown with all the stupid outfits she wears. She might be a good singer.But why you got to dress up like a clown for?
bobo15377 1 month ago
It is Newt, Mitt, and Rick. :P
truthfromtheword 1 month ago
So creepy. What's up with scarily trotting towards the camera? Was that necessary?!?!?
selm3285 1 month ago
And they wonder why people are afraid of clowns
narta11 1 month ago
The major labels promote a quick buck with disposable hip-hop, dance pop, gangsta rap, crap metal and trendy pop punk, while the bands that burn slowly with the potential to sell millions of records and actually change music itself are passed over. Remember the independent labels signed Metallica, Nirvana and practically every band that has influenced other bands to try harder and do better things with music.
mikedonn71 1 month ago
How much of the greatness of the 70s music scene happened directly because of Monterrey Pop and even more so Woodstock forcing the repressive, conservative major labels to invest in youthful singer-songwriters? From about 1967 to 1976 all of the greatest of the singer-songwriters were performing all at the same time with major label support for the first and last time in history. James Taylor, Neil Young, Lennon-McCartney, Jagger-Richards, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, etc.
mikedonn71 1 month ago
1977? I think I remember this being on television, but I was very small. Maybe six.
mikedonn71 1 month ago
No, sondheim himself said you could substitute the word "fools" for "clowns" and youd have a grip on the songs meaning..
mauijim00 1 month ago
Hate to be a nudge but the song is about a trapeze duo. Refer to the reference about "one on the ground....one who can't move". One (the female) falls, appears to suffer paralysis and expects that the male will wait for her during the recuperation period. She obviously is wrong and he moves on. I read this in a story about Judy Collins and the meaning of the song. The clowns are for distraction and to keep people's minds off of the problems caused by the fall.
Agilejbk 1 month ago
Pierces deeply and pulls it out of you doesn't it?
tboltjohn 2 months ago
i used to love this song as a kid, it gives me chills every time i listen to it now :)
tarekelgeresy 2 months ago
This was the best version. Heard it first in Alice Springs in 1975.
Trajan730 2 months ago
This was so popular on The Muppets when she sang this. What great memories of a great song and a great singer. BRIAN
redbrian3655 2 months ago
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!
Getrealpeeps 2 months ago
How are all these posts about the song? The clowns are RIDICULOUS! It's like they're trying to ruin it! The song isn't even about clowns!
JailBlazersNoMore 2 months ago
@JailBlazersNoMore The song IS about clowns. In the show from where this song comes, the couple has reached an impasse in their relationship. Because the woman was a performer on stage in Vaudeville plays, when the play was a flop and the audience was booing, the call to "send in the clowns" and get the crowds attention was sounded back stage i.e. our relationship is going South.... before it gets maudlin, we best change the act and "send clowns" in. BRIAN
redbrian3655 2 months ago
@redbrian3655 Read what Steven Sondheim says about the song, he says, "[I]t's a theater reference meaning 'if the show isn't going well, let's send in the clowns'; in other words, let's do the jokes". I meant it isn't literally about clowns. I get that this is a children's show, but the way the clowns act in the background just ruins it for me.
JailBlazersNoMore 2 months ago
@JailBlazersNoMore OK. That makes sense.
redbrian3655 2 months ago
this song is awesome. thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. why don't we hear it more?
swaugertim 2 months ago
@swaugertim I HEAR YOU!!
Getrealpeeps 2 months ago
@swaugertim I HEAR YOU!!
Getrealpeeps 2 months ago
Thank you for posting this, truly amazing.
OhJaniceWhyOhWhy 3 months ago
OMG!!! I haven't heard this song in years. It's very beautiful and Judy Collins does and outstanding job with it. The very first time I heard her sing this was on Good Times so many years ago. That has always been my favorite version. Does anyone know if that one is on youtube?
GabrielMajere 3 months ago
The juxtaposition of the frolicking clowns to the sad music perfectly illustrates the difficulty of being heartbroken while others around you are happy and oblivious to your sorrow. Anyone who has known true sadness understands this.
SteveEdwardCooper 3 months ago
What idiot thought to do this ridiculous staging to this great song?!
jeffhrsn 3 months ago
why would anyone mock this song is beautifull
archie977 3 months ago
A lovely pure voice with a song never forgotten once heard!
24577147 4 months ago
This makes me think of the simpsons :(
krystelgolddreamin 4 months ago 4
Thanks for this great video. This is a beautiful song sung by the a great artist...
Life is so funny, isn't it? When we get older and look back we finally realise timing is everything in life and we missed them all...
Gerryofcalifornia 4 months ago 2
@Gerryofcalifornia How right you are my friend.
KZN7404 2 months ago
The Muppets :)
SCHRUBBE1966 4 months ago
this makes me think of rudy guliani ICK
AngeliaClaire 5 months ago
I remember watching this in the summer of 77 or 78 on channel 2. They used to air it at 7:30 . What great great memories.
audioman628 5 months ago
simply flawless..
toonmama6 6 months ago
When I was 9 years old I had an uncle who was a music teacher, taught in his home. I used to go over after school to play in the yard with the dog. There was a pretty long haired girl with blue eyes there. My uncle gave her piano, guitar and auto harp lessons. We had milk & cookies together several times in my aunt's kitchen. It was a 12 year old Judy Collins years before she was to become famous. Who knew. She was very pretty and sweet. Yes Metaphoid...it's me... professor show tunes.
valleyofgalon 6 months ago
awesome
drribcage 6 months ago
I am 50 years old and have never had a fear of clowns... until now.
bluestucco 6 months ago
omg this song ALWAYS made me cry as a kid....it is today too....
xhidingbhindmysmilex 6 months ago
Patiently waiting for Lady Gaga to redo this and make it good.
Metaphoid 6 months ago
@Metaphoid Please don't include Lady Gaga and Judy Collins in the same thought. Lady Gaga is modern day horseshit multi-tracked music.
Jason99942 6 months ago
@Metaphoid It's taken me ten minutes to comment because I couldn't stop laughing. No really, I doubt very seriously that Lady Gaga even "gets" this song. And then she'd probably have to do a costume change. Maybe a slutty space clown. She wants us to listen with our eyes. I don't fault her voice but if she wants to be taken serioulsy she might try leaving her "meat dress wardrobe" back stage just once and we'll listen with our ears. Sweet Judy Blue Eyes and Old Blue Eyes own this song!
valleyofgalon 6 months ago
@valleyofgalon "I doubt very seriously that Lady Gaga even "gets" this song"
Most guys don't.
Metaphoid 6 months ago
@Metaphoid This has not one thing to do with gender. I'm a guy, I got it first time I heard it. I've had to explain this song to several female friends over the course of my lifetime including my late wife. If you've never been to an old fashioned circus you wouldn't know why or when they "send in the clowns". Stephen Sondheim got it when HE wrote it. Years ago he sat in on a recording session with Barbara Streisand and between takes she asked him what the song meant and she was recording it!
valleyofgalon 6 months ago
@valleyofgalon No, I was calling Lady Gaga a guy. Calling Gaga a guy a running gag. You said Gaga wouldn't get the song - most guys don't. However, from a stereotypical view, most guy wouldn't get this song. Or if they did, probably wouldn't admit to it. I couldn't make heads or tails of it for years until I heard Mel Torme explain what it was about before singing it. I can picture Raymond from "Everybody Loves Raymond" listening to it with a total look of exasperated confusion.
Metaphoid 6 months ago
@Metaphoid Come to think about it, it's actually a pretty morbid song for the Muppet Show. About a trapeze artists falling to her slow death as clowns come dancing in to distract the audience. "Send in the clowns, I'm lying in a pool of blood"
Most guys who get this are probably gay like me.
bluestucco 6 months ago
@bluestucco ,
Hahahahaha,'send in the clowns,I'm lying in a pool of blood'.Hahahahahahahaha! I recall Dame Judi Dench talk-singing this once & I thought,'bleeding hell,yes,PLEASE send in the sodding clowns,ANYTHING to distract us from the travesty of her 'performance'.
And yeah,it's a gay thing,lol.
popazz1 5 months ago
@Metaphoid That running joke passed right over my head. Pretty damned funny! My bad. Lady Guyguy. Good voice but no one really notices. I got the meaning of Send in The Clowns from attending to many saw dust circuses when I was kid. You are right about men not admitting we don't know something. A guy thing for sure. You heard Mel Torme sing? Mr. "Velvet Fog"? He would guest appearance on Night Court in the 80's remember? I got a story 4 you about "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes" Collins.
valleyofgalon 6 months ago
@valleyofgalon You say it has nothing to do with gender and then you go on to illustrate that men get it and women don't. Whateverrr.....
bluestucco 6 months ago
Comment removed
valleyofgalon 6 months ago
@Metaphoid LOL good joke! It deserves a laugh, not a lecture from professor showtunes.
bluestucco 6 months ago
Thanks everybody for the many Views and Comments on this Video. Feel free to enlist wishes about videos i could remake or put in.
clobsentinel 6 months ago
Amazing; the clowns are the best also. This is GREAT TV.
FlyingMondongo 6 months ago
... Conflicted.... I love the.song, love the meaning... TERRIFIED of the real clowns...
shadowpsykie 7 months ago
Spooky, I remember watching this but always thought it was from TOTPs, but it was The Muppet Show! Beautifil song, wonderfully performed. This song was a top 10 hit in the UK in 1975 and Judy's version is the best I have ever heard. Thank you for posting this lovely piece of my childhood!
allanscot1 7 months ago
The only singer that can do this song the justice it deserves
alan59able 7 months ago
Im singing this song in the fall for a choir event calle spaghetti and song this year :) im very excited. this is such a beautfiul song!
KanaAndRaiRai 8 months ago
When the show, our life, isn't going well then send in the fools ... don't bother they're here .... .we are the fools inevitably.
11NewAuthor2 8 months ago
what.
AmeliaDuphraine 8 months ago
love this song sents I was 3.....I'm now 42
Justme1268 9 months ago
I remember seeing this on the Muppet Show when I was a kid. It is hauntingly beautiful in its own Muppet way.
OctoberLandon 9 months ago 5
@OctoberLandon I really think the same way. I had to look closely to see, that the clown are doing the things Judy Collins is sining about. Thank you for the comment.
clobsentinel 9 months ago 2
The happy clowns don't belong in a serious song segment.
darlinkula1 11 months ago
The clowns SCARE ME.
hcybtiw 11 months ago
The clowns are very appropriate for this song. I guess you have to actually be at this point (or have been) in your life to understand. The clowns help portray the irony, confusion and regret one can experience as they look back on a life of wrong decisions. You do feel like a fool/clown.
Robinkae 11 months ago
Thanks everybody for the great info and the 10'000 View of course.
clobsentinel 11 months ago
Beautiful song, a little hard to take it seriously while watching this video.. hahahaha
KelseyRose 11 months ago
Song: Brilliant; Singer: Perfect; Clowns: Just a really bad idea.
phlashba 11 months ago
The clowns toke the beauty of this song
SpongygurlPGS 1 year ago
I love this song. I love Judy Collins, but those clowns are JUST CREEPY! EEUUUUUUWWWWW!
Mykki1003 1 year ago
What a voice!!! Todays music cant hold a candle to this........not even close!
jawsjaws1174 1 year ago 11
@jawsjaws1174 marilyn manson does
TheKalen486 3 months ago
@jawsjaws1174 Go browse around yt for music. Or do you have too much earwax?
TheOriginalEntz 2 months ago
@jawsjaws1174 There are very talented singers and instrumentalists today. Most are unheard of, because the big record companies are only interested in a quick buck and won't sign slow burners and game changers in pop music today. Technology has hurt the record companies, but mostly what killed them was lack of vision. Also, in this much more cynical (even than the 70s) and information overloaded society, people who show too much humanity get crushed to death. We did it. Blame YouTube. lol
mikedonn71 1 month ago
Comment removed
mikedonn71 1 month ago
this is the fianna fail national anthem
stephenc8 1 year ago 2
ALWAYS LOVED THIS SONG SAW IT WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS 3 THIS VERSION FROM SESAME STREET ALWAYS WILL HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART AND MEMORIES I NEVER WANT TO FORGET
hobonotabum 1 year ago 4
@hobonotabum wow. sounds great. keep those memories within you. they will last forever. :-)
clobsentinel 1 year ago
I don't know why but this song makes me want to cry.
chemtrooper 1 year ago 3
I have seen this as a Kid. I didn't realize how good the Number really is until a cuple of days ago.
clobsentinel 1 year ago