Clown

Album: Our Version Of Events (2012)
Charted: 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Emeli explained the meaning of this slow-building piano ballad to Q magazine: "It's about trying to get into the industry, keeping faith in myself when I felt that many of the labels didn't have faith in me. It's about being called a clown or an idiot for wanting to chase after what you want, because people will always say you're rubbish and all the rest of it, but if you don't follow what you want to do then you won't achieve anything fulfilling."
  • The song's black-and-white video was directed by W.I.Z, who has previously worked with Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys. The clip finds Sandé in a military style interrogation room and its concept concerns making a stand and believing in oneself. "It's about how I felt when I was trying to get signed, I was going for all these meetings and people were looking at me like, 'What do we do with you?'" Sandé said. "It's about not allowing yourself to be judged by others or to be taken for an idiot. I feel the video reflects that."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.