This week’s challenge for Song Lyric Sunday is to post a song by somebody who has appeared on the ‘reality’ TV show ‘American Idol’.

Some might consider this to be a little US-centric. However, we did watch ‘American Idol’ when we lived in Abu Dhabi. There, the TV diet was very short on European networks – certainly no BBC – but plenty of Egyptian and other Arab soap operas and a lot of American telly, some good (CSI), some bad and American Idol.

There are only three names I can recall from back then: Kelly Clarkson (not interested), Chris Daughtry and, head and shoulders above the rest, Adam Lambert. That he didn’t win his series was an absolute travesty. He’s best known perhaps as a rock singer, now performing with Queen, but he has a terrific range. This is his fine take on Smokey Robinson’s ‘Tracks Of My Tears’.

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
You’ll see my smile looks out of place
Look a little bit closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

(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
You’ll see my smile looks out of place
Yeah, just look closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

Take a good look at my face
Ooh yeah, you’ll see my smile looks out of place
Look a little bit closer, it’s easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

Written by Warren Moore, William Robinson and Marvin Tarplin

Song Lyric Sunday 5 May 2024