Buzz Ballad: A Rodeo Clown

A Rodeo Clown
—apologies to Smokey Robinson and “Tears of a Clown”

Now if there’s a mask on my face
You wouldn’t think that threatened the republic
But this time the mask that I chose portrayed
A President who treats citizens as subjects
And though my choice needed no permission
‘Cause it’s part of free speech tradition
Some folks got mad, oh, madder than mad
They complained and they wanted me canned
Demanded as a clown I be banned

Some folks are politically correct
But I ask you, who’d expect
That they’d ban a clown from the rodeo grounds?

Uh huh, oh yeah, baby

Now it needs no stretch of memory
To recall folks who viewed Bush with detestation
Used masks to mock him frequently
Even made a film that showed his assassination
Ain’t it funny just how out they’re put now
When the shoe’s on the other foot now?
Can’t stand mockery, oh it seems to me
When a joke requires bravery
That puts us too close to slavery, oh yeah

Some folks are politically correct
But I ask you, who’d expect
That they’d ban a clown from the rodeo grounds?

You know you’re far too dour by half
If you can’t accept with a laugh
That a part of being free
Is unfettered mockery
So don’t ban a clown
From the rodeo grounds, oh yeah baby baby

Now if there’s a mask on my face
My choice should need no permission
‘Cause it’s part of free speech tradition
Don’t let this mask I’m wearin’
Let some folks act overbearin’
And get me canned…
It’s time to take a stand…