The Tracks Of My Tears
Smokey Robinson is the mogul of Motown, becoming vice president after encouraging Berry Gordy to start the label in the first place, then piling up hit after hit as writer/producer and lead singer. "The Tracks Of My Tears" is one of The Miracles’ most enduring songs, a chest-stretching ballad that somehow failed to make the US Top.
Smokey Robinson is at his best when combining a melodious, gentle musical theme with rather sad lyrics. "The Tracks Of My Tears" begins with some simple guitar lines coined by Tarplin, before Robinson tore up the lyrics with Moore's assistance. The song begins as a conversation between a miserable guy and his ex, although we can't be sure if she's actually listening, after leaving him. The refrain lays it all on the line: “So take a good look at my face/You know my smile looks out of place/If you look closer it’s easy to trace/The tracks of my tears.”
Love is blind and cannot even see his misery. The incredible depth of lyricism for a 'love' song, and its haunting endearment is what to this day has brought thousands of modern rockin' depression to their knees. Smokey's legend. In the early 70s, Robinson left The Miracles to pursue a solo career. Although Robinson will continue to achieve his own success, he will never match the excellence of this bittersweet song again.
Singer: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
