(Verse)
[COLE]
I remember forever
When I was but 3
Mama, who was clever
Remarking to me

"If, son, when you're grown up
You want everything nice
I've got your future sewn up
If you take this advice."

(Chorus 1)
Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown
Act a fool, play the calf
And you'll always have the last laugh

Wear the cap and the bells
And you'll rate with all the great swells
If you become a doctor, folks'll face you with dread
If you become a dentist, they'll be glad when you're dead
You'll get a bigger hand if you can stand on your head

[EXECUTIVES]
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown
(Chorus 2)
[LOUIS]
Be a clown!

[EXECUTIVES]
Be a clown!

[LOUIS]
All the world loves a clown
Show 'em tricks

[EXECUTIVES]
Tell 'em jokes
And you'll only stop with top folks

[COLE]
Be a crack jackanapes

[EXECUTIVES]
And they'll imitate you like apes

[LOUIS]
Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears?

[COLE]
Why be a major poet when you'll owe it for years?
When crowds'll pay to giggle if you wiggle your ears?
[EXECUTIVES]
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown!

(Chorus 3)
Be a clown, be a clown
All the world loves a clown
If you just make 'em roar
Watch your monthly bank account soar

Wear a painted mustache
And you're sure to make a big splash

[LOUIS]
A college education I should never propose
A bachelor's degree won't even keep you in clo'es

[COLE]
But millions you will win if you can spin on your nose

[ALL]
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown!

(Chorus 4)
[COLE]
Give 'em quips (give 'em quips!), give 'em fun (give 'em fun!)
[ALL]
And they'll always say you're A-1
If you become a farmer, you've the weather to buck
If you become a gambler, then you're stuck with your luck

[COLE]
But Jack, you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck

[LOUIS]
Quack, quack, quack!

[ALL]
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown!