Laughing Jack (Lyrics) Poem by richard (mak) makinson

The smile on his face
As he stands beneath the light
Hides the shame that stops him
From going home tonight
He always pulls his brim low
When he's up on stage
To hide his eyes from the world
So you can't see the pain

Travelling always away from home
Never looking back
The face he shows to the world
They call him laughing Jack


When he sings and smiles
Listen deep and hard
You can almost hear the pain
Hiding in his heart
He always hides his eyes from view
When he's on the street
And if you stare straight at him
He'll look down at his feet

Travelling always away from home
Never turning back
The face he shows to the world
They call him laughing Jack


Though he works under strong light
His face is in shade
He don't want you to see
The price that he's paid
He bought shame to his family
They're treated with disdain
His own wrongdoing has
Filled his eyes with pain

Travelling always away from home
Never looking back
The face he shows to the world
They call him laughing Jack


He'll never get to go back home
Now it's over and done
The pain he carries in his heart
Because he hurt someone
There's no laughter in his eyes
No home for his child
It's the price he pays
For running away
With his own brothers bride

Travelling always away from home
Never turning back
The face he shows to the world
They call him laughing Jack


© Richard Makinson