About the song
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a quintessential track in the Motown catalog, celebrated for its soulful depth and emotional resonance. Released in 1965, this R&B classic was recorded by The Miracles, a group fronted by the legendary Smokey Robinson. Co-written by Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin, the song stands as a testament to the group’s exceptional talent and enduring influence in the music industry.
The song’s origins trace back to guitarist Marv Tarplin, who initially presented a musical idea that would eventually evolve into “The Tracks of My Tears.” As Robinson recounted, Tarplin’s guitar riffs, which open the track, are now considered iconic in pop music history. The song’s poignant lyrics and melancholic melody capture the heartache of regret and longing following a romantic separation, with Robinson’s emotive lead vocals perfectly conveying the sense of vulnerability and sorrow.
Upon its release, “The Tracks of My Tears” achieved considerable commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it initially failed to chart in the UK, a reissue in 1969 saw it climb to No. 9, further cementing its place in Motown’s legacy. The track’s widespread appeal led to it selling over one million copies within two years, marking it as The Miracles’ fourth million-selling record.
The song has garnered numerous accolades over the decades, reflecting its critical acclaim and lasting impact. It was ranked No. 50 on Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007. Additionally, the United States Library of Congress preserved the track in the National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Its inclusion in the RIAA and National Endowment for the Arts’ list of the “Songs of the Century” further underscores its prominence in music history.
“The Tracks of My Tears” has been recognized not only as one of The Miracles’ most honored and covered songs but also as a pivotal influence on the genre. It was selected as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll” and received the “Award of Merit” from ASCAP, acknowledging its contribution to the music industry. In 2021, Rolling Stone named it “The Greatest Motown Song of All Time,” a testament to its enduring legacy.
The song features contributions from The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, adding to its rich, orchestral sound. The Miracles’ lineup on this track includes Smokey Robinson on lead vocals, Marv Tarplin on guitar, and Pete Moore handling background vocals and vocal arrangements, supported by Claudette Rogers Robinson, Ronnie White, and Bobby Rogers.
Overall, “The Tracks of My Tears” remains a powerful and evocative piece, showcasing The Miracles’ extraordinary talent and leaving an indelible mark on the history of soul music.
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Lyrics
Tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do do do do
People say I’m the life of the party
‘Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I’m blue
So take a good look at my face
You’ll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I’m having fun
Although she may be cute
She’s just a substitute
Because you’re the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
Oh, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
If you look a little bit closer, it’s easy to trace
Oh, the tracks of my tears
Oh, I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Hey yeah, outside I’m masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
Just a clown oh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my make up
I wear since my break up with you
Baby, take a good look at my face
Oh, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
Yeah, just look closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears, baby baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, take a good look at my face
Yeah, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
Ooh, look a little bit closer, it’s easy to trace