I'll remember forever   When I was but three   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      Be a clown, be a clown   All the world loves a clown   Act the 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   Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown      Be a clown, be a clown   All the world loves a clown   Show 'em tricks, tell 'em jokes   And you'll only stop with top folks      Be a crack Jackanapes   And they'll imitate you like apes   Why be a great composer with your rent in arrears   Why be a major poet and you'll owe it for years   When crowds'll pay to giggle if you wiggle your ears   Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown      Be a clown, be a clown   All the world loves a clown   If you just make 'em roar   Watch your Mounte bank account soar      Wear a painted mustache   And you're sure to make a big splash   A college education I should never propose   A bachelor's degree won't even keep you in clothes   But millions you will win if you can spin on your nose   Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown      Give 'em quips, give 'em fun   And they'll happy to say you're A-1   If you become a farmer you've the weather to buck   If you become a gambler you'll be stuck with your luck   But Jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck   Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown