This was written by the surfer/singer/songwriter Jack Johnson, who sings on it with G. Love (Garrett Dutton). At the time, Johnson had yet to release any music and had a small following among surfers, one of whom was a friend of Dutton's who made the introduction. Dutton, who was already an established artist with G. Love & Special Sauce, went surfing in Malibu, California with Johnson, who invited invited him back to his place to jam. This is where Johnson played him "Rodeo Clowns." Dutton asked if he could record the song for his Philadelphonic album; Johnson suggested a collaboration, so they did it together, with G. Love introducing the unknown Johnson in the intro ("I got my man Jack Johnson in the studio today..."). The song was released as a single and got decent airplay on the West Coast, earning Johnson some new fans.
Rodeo clowns are there to protect the bull riders, distracting the animals so they don't go after the riders when they're thrown. They also serve as spectacle, as their outlandish costumes are designed to attract the eye. This song takes place in a bar where once the night gets going, the guys puff out their chests and put on a show to attract the ladies. These are the rodeo clowns.
The song closes with the same verse that opens the song ("Sweepin' the floors, open up the doors...") indicating another night at the bar where the same events will play out all over again.
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