When I was a young man
I ran away from home
I went to join the circus
I went to see the cotton candy whirl
And make me lots on money on my own
For molly, oh my pretty Molly
She's waiting all alone
Someday soon I will return to her.
Then I made the big time
Bright lights—show biz
I'm really in the circus
There's only one thing wrong:
I haven't saved a peony on my own
For Molly, ah my pretty Molly
But she's writing everyday
Molly understands so it's OK.
Ride a windy box car
And see a thousand children young and old
Oh that grease paint smile can hide your soul
Here comes a carrousel guess which town it is
Feel the thrill
Grease paint covers everything
But winters chill
I'm reading Molly's letter.
The ink is fading
And the page is turning yellow
Long ago, I promised Molly
Don't you know I—
I will close my eyes and go to her.
