I'll forever, when I was but three,
Mama, who was clever remarking to me:
"If, son, when you're grown up, you want everything nice,
I've got your future sewn up if you take this advice:

Be a clown,
Be a clown,
All the world loves a clown
Act the 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!

Be a clown,
Be a clown,
All the world loves a clown
Be a crazy buffoon
And the 'demoiselles'll all swoon,
Dress in huge baggy pants
And you'll ride the road to romance,
A butcher or a baker ladies never embrace,
A barber for a beau would be a social disgrace,
They all'll come to call if you can fall on your face.
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown!

Be a clown,
Be a clown,
All the world loves a clown
Be the poor silly ass
And you'll always travel first class,
Give 'em quips, give 'em fun,
And they'll pay to say you're A-1,
If you become a farmer you've the weather to buck,
If you become a gambler, you'll be stuck with your luck
But jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck,
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown!