[Verse 1]
You saw the posters
Big red smile in paint
You said
"This looks different"
But it was the same old game
You bought your ticket
Sat in the very front row
Now you’re mad that the rubber nose
Ain’t putting on a serious show
[Chorus]
Don’t blame a clown for acting like a clown
Blame yourself for going to the circus
Baby
You knew that tent was shaky ground
But you still walked in on purpose
Baby
You paid your way into that ring
Then cried when you got the same old thing
Don’t blame a clown for acting like a clown
Blame yourself for going to the circus
[Verse 2]
You loved the costume
All that color on his shoes
You ignored the warnings
Every friend gave you the news
You called it magic
When he pulled tricks from his sleeve
Now you call it heartbreak
But you never chose to leave
[Chorus]
Don’t blame a clown for acting like a clown
Blame yourself for going to the circus
Baby
You knew that tent was shaky ground
But you still walked in on purpose
Baby
You watched him juggle all those lies
Still swore you saw halos in his eyes
Don’t blame a clown for acting like a clown
Blame yourself for going to the circus
[Bridge]
The sawdust floor
Was telling you the truth
Every stain
Every footprint
From some other broken fool
You said
"This time’s different
This clown’s gonna change"
But painted faces
Only rearrange
[Chorus]
Don’t blame a clown for acting like a clown
Blame yourself for going to the circus
Baby
You keep on driving back to town
Then curse the show that leaves you hurting
Baby
If you want love that’s brave and real
Stop mistaking tricks for how you feel
Don’t blame a clown for acting like a clown
Blame yourself for going to the circus