The Circus Left Town by Eric Clapton

Album: Pilgrim (1998)

Charted: 39

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Eric Clapton wrote this song in honor of his son Conor, who was 4 years old on March 20, 1991 when he fell to his death out of an open window in his mother's New York City apartment. The day before his death, Eric took Conor to a circus; those memories form the basis of the lyric.
Clapton wrote the song in the summer of 1991 and first performed it at his MTV Unplugged concert in 1992, but it wasn't included on the album. He played it at various concerts, and it was first released in 1998 on his album Pilgrim with the title shortened to "Circus."

The Unplugged performance included another song for Conor: "Tears In Heaven," which did make the album and became a big hit.

Comments: 6

Mike from Arizona“My Father’s Eyes” was also written both about the death of his son and the fact that Eric never knew his father.
Phil from Bern, SwitzerlandAccording to Clapton's new autobiography, the song was cut out from the Unplugged album, because it was played too bumpy. And it's true, the song is maybe not played as steadily as the rest of the concert. You can find the whole concert as bootleg on http://www.thetradersden.org and you'll also find it on youtube.
Darren from Oklahoma City, OkWhen MTV originally released EC's "Unplugged" performance some local radio stations simulcasted the performance on FM channels. Clapton played this song during the set for the broadcast but it wasn't released on the video or cd in stores until a studio version showed up on "Pilgrim". It seems like EC at the time thought it was still too personal to release in '92 but it was one of my favorite songs from the Unplugged shows. I think at the time no one knew the meaning behind the song and EC played it solely for himself. I recorded that simulcast but someone stole the tape about a week after it was recorded. I hope that EC releases the Unplugged eventually, if anyone knows of an import version of the Unplugged that may have it on the playlist will you please post it here.
Emma from White Rock, CanadaOh jesus, I cry like mad whenever I hear songs about Conor Clapton. So f*cking heartbreaking.
Joshua from Twin Cities, MnThis is one of three songs written in response to Conor Clapton's death. There was also Eric's "Tears In Heaven", and "Since I Lost You" by Genesis, written by Clapton's friend and occasional musical collaborator Phil Collins.
Lp from New York, Nythis song is actually called "Circus", not "The Circus Left Town."

see more comments

More Songfacts:

I Love ItIcona Pop

Icona Pop consider "I Love It" a kiss-off to their boyfriends. "We just wanted to get the song out and get the pigs to hear it," group member Jawo said.

Stephens Stills played timbales on the Bee Gees hit, "You Should Be Dancing." He was in the next door studio laying down a Crosby, Stills and Nash album and could hear Saturday Night Fever being recorded. Stills recognized its potential to be a monster hit and he wanted to contribute.

Afternoon DelightStarland Vocal Band

The Starland Vocal Band got the title "Afternoon Delight" from the late-afternoon appetizer menu at the restaurant Clyde's Of Georgetown in Washington, DC.

RhiannonFleetwood Mac

"Rhiannon" is a Welch goddess. Stevie Nicks wrote the song, and it was a huge influence on her image, inspiring her flowing shawls and black outfits she began wearing on stage.

Up Around the BendCreedence Clearwater Revival

"Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival had a different meaning to British listeners. In England, to go "Around the bend" means to go crazy.

Closing TimeSemisonic

"Closing Time" by Semisonic was written by the lead singer when his wife was pregnant. Some of the lyrics are about being born.