To be gay, when my brain's reeling with madness
Not knowing the things I say or what I'm doing
Still must I falsely force myself laugh
I must be a man, I'm Pagliaccio

Put on your clown smug
On your face put the powder
The people pay you to furnish them with fun
If Harlequin your Columbine still robs you
Laugh out, Paglaccio
And on the show will done

Instead of weeping just give out laughter
Although your heart's breaking
You must play the part

Oh, laugh, laugh, Pagliaccio
For the love that is ruing
Laugh through your pain
That now is knowing your heart