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

Then make me lots of 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 penny on my own

For Molly, ah, my pretty Molly

But she's writing everyday

Molly understands so it's okay

Ride a windy boxcar and see a thousand children young and old

Oh, that greasepaint smile can hide your soul

Here comes a carousel, guess which town it is

Feel the thrill

Greasepaint covers everything

But winter's 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