The Circus (song) Essentially a synthpop track, the music is accentuated by acoustic guitar and a continuous circus-like accordion. The lyrics touch on social issues, rare for the duo, and centre on the lament of "working men", whose bright futures and job securities are left shattered in the modern world of greedy corporations and technology. The song's distinctive and unusual sound is said to have been inspired by Bell hearing a record being played backwards. Despite its haunting quality and dark lyrical content, "The Circus" became Erasure's third UK Top 10 hit, peaking at number six. The Circus (song) "The Circus" is a
Every Soul is a Circus turn," she is ultimately humiliated by the Ringmaster. The lone spectator, the empress' alter-ego, watches as the frenzy of the circus performance builds. The empress' movements and demeanor progress from childlike to flirtatious to addled. She is finally overcome with confusion, her actions becoming ever more undignified and absurd. When the ballet debuted, many audiences and critics were astonished to see Graham's wry, witty side. Most of her dances were so serious, she had been dubbed "Mirthless Martha" by her musical director Louis Horst. Reviewers described her performance in "Every Soul is a Circus" as "poignant clowning" having a "warmth