[Verse 1]
When I was a young man
I ran away from home
I went to join the circus
Went to see the cotton candy whirl
And make me lots of money on my own
For Molly, oh, my pretty Molly
But she's waiting all alone
Someday soon I will return to her

[Verse 2]
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, oh, my pretty Molly
But she's writing everyday
Molly understands so it's okay

[Bridge]
Ride a windy boxcar, 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
[Verse 3]
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