The Circus Left Town by Eric Clapton

Album: Pilgrim (1998)

Charted: 39

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Eric Clapton wrote this song in honor of his son Conor, who was 4 years old on March 20, 1991 when he fell to his death out of an open window in his mother's New York City apartment. The day before his death, Eric took Conor to a circus; those memories form the basis of the lyric.
Clapton wrote the song in the summer of 1991 and first performed it at his MTV Unplugged concert in 1992, but it wasn't included on the album. He played it at various concerts, and it was first released in 1998 on his album Pilgrim with the title shortened to "Circus."

The Unplugged performance included another song for Conor: "Tears In Heaven," which did make the album and became a big hit.

Comments: 6

Mike from Arizona“My Father’s Eyes” was also written both about the death of his son and the fact that Eric never knew his father.
Phil from Bern, SwitzerlandAccording to Clapton's new autobiography, the song was cut out from the Unplugged album, because it was played too bumpy. And it's true, the song is maybe not played as steadily as the rest of the concert. You can find the whole concert as bootleg on http://www.thetradersden.org and you'll also find it on youtube.
Darren from Oklahoma City, OkWhen MTV originally released EC's "Unplugged" performance some local radio stations simulcasted the performance on FM channels. Clapton played this song during the set for the broadcast but it wasn't released on the video or cd in stores until a studio version showed up on "Pilgrim". It seems like EC at the time thought it was still too personal to release in '92 but it was one of my favorite songs from the Unplugged shows. I think at the time no one knew the meaning behind the song and EC played it solely for himself. I recorded that simulcast but someone stole the tape about a week after it was recorded. I hope that EC releases the Unplugged eventually, if anyone knows of an import version of the Unplugged that may have it on the playlist will you please post it here.
Emma from White Rock, CanadaOh jesus, I cry like mad whenever I hear songs about Conor Clapton. So f*cking heartbreaking.
Joshua from Twin Cities, MnThis is one of three songs written in response to Conor Clapton's death. There was also Eric's "Tears In Heaven", and "Since I Lost You" by Genesis, written by Clapton's friend and occasional musical collaborator Phil Collins.
Lp from New York, Nythis song is actually called "Circus", not "The Circus Left Town."

see more comments

More Songfacts:

I'll WaitVan Halen

Michael McDonald co-wrote the Van Halen song "I'll Wait."

I Gotta FeelingThe Black Eyed Peas

Will.I.am, literally dreamt up "I Gotta Feelin'." Said the Black Eyed Pea: "Have you ever had a dream where there's a melody in your dream? I'll wake up out of my sleep and record that! 'I Gotta Feelin' was one of those songs."

Fortunate SonCreedence Clearwater Revival

The Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Fortunate Son" is about how the Vietnam war was being fought by soldiers without the privilege or connections to get out of it. "It's the old saying about rich men making war and poor men having to fight them," John Fogerty said.

Walking On Thin IceYoko Ono

John Lennon's lead guitar work on Yoko Ono's "Walking On Thin Ice" proved to be his final creative act. It was upon their return home after completing laying down the track that Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman.

Where Everybody Knows Your NameGary Portnoy

The TV show Cheers was nearly canceled after its first season, but the theme song, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," was very popular. To satisfy viewer demand, the theme was made into a full song and released as a single.

Mr. Tambourine ManBob Dylan

Bob Dylan's original version of "Mr. Tambourine Man," released on his album Bringing It All Back Home, has no tambourine, just guitars and harmonica.