MOG

Oh, my God. This song is so good. It's actually probably better when Pavarotti or someone really intense and/or famous sings it, but the version by Mario Lanza came up on shuffle so we'll go with that.

Anyway, this is the aria from Pagliacci that everyone knows. This has long been my favorite opera and I just found out Netflix has the 1941 version with Gigli that I love so much, so this is in celebration. Here's a translation of the lyrics because they're absolutely beautiful. Prior to this, the main character had discovered his wife was cheating on him, but still had to perform because "the show must go on."

Play the part! Grabbed by delirium,
I know no longer what I say
or what I'm doing
And yet it's necessary, force yourself!
Bah! aren't you a man?
You're the clown!

Put on the costume
and white powder on your face
The public's paying and wants to have a laugh.
If Arlecchino runs off with Colombina
laugh, clown and everyone will applaud.
Change into laughs the spasms and the tears;
into a grimace the sobbing and the pain.

Laugh, clown,
of your broken love.
Laugh of the pain that poisons your heart.

Don't tell me you're not crying.