About the song
“Cathy’s Clown” is a timeless classic, written by Don Everly and performed by The Everly Brothers in 1960. This iconic song tells the story of a man who has been betrayed and publicly humiliated by his lover, as evident in the lyrics, “Here he comes / That’s Cathy’s clown.” The song’s unique structure, featuring choruses sung in close harmony by brothers Don and Phil, sets it apart from other hits of the era. The song’s enduring influence on popular music has earned it a place in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2013.
The recording of “Cathy’s Clown” was a collaborative effort, featuring the Everlys on guitars, Floyd Cramer on piano, Floyd Chance on bass, and Buddy Harman on drums. The distinctive drum sound was achieved by recording the drums with a tape loop, creating the illusion of two drummers. The song was recorded live in a single take, with Don and Phil sharing a microphone, adding to its raw and emotional appeal. “Cathy’s Clown” remains a beloved and influential song, resonating with audiences of all ages.
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Lyrics
Don’t want your love anymore
Don’t want your kisses, that’s for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that’s Cathy’s clown
I gotta stand tall
You know a man can’t crawl
When he knows you’re tellin’ lies and he hears ’em passing by
He’s not a man at all
Don’t want your love anymore
Don’t want your kisses, that’s for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that’s Cathy’s clown
When you see me shed a tear
And you know that it’s sincere
Don’t you think it’s kinda sad that you’re treating me so bad
Or don’t you even care?
Don’t want your love anymore
Don’t want your kisses, that’s for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that’s Cathy’s clown
That’s Cathy’s clown
That’s Cathy’s clown