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Circus Song

Don McLean

Cotton candy, two for a quarter

See if the fat man can guess your weight

A big stuffed tiger is what I bought her

And I'm going home 'cause it's late

Roller coasters make me dizzy

And cotton candy makes me sick

I wish I had some Bromo fizzy

Now that would do the trick

Everyone knows that the clowns aren't happy

And everyone knows that the people don't care

I wish I could laugh at the way that they're acting

But I'm so sick, I just don't dare to

High wire dancers kick and balance

White silk horses step in time

The tattooed man displays his talents

I'm not the talented kind

I always go to the circus on Sunday

And there I can laugh at the people I see

But when I leave home in the morning on Monday

Everybody laughs at me

I make other people nervous

I guess that's why they laugh at me

But to me my life is a three-ring circus

And I can see it for free

Have you seen my wife Elvira?

She can tame a lion, you know

Well, I once had a bushy mane

But that was so damn long ago

Tight-collared clowns in plastic buildings

Have happy families as their fate

Happy jobs and happy clubs

And happy people they hate

Everyone's juggling and everyone's acting

With smiles of grease paint three feet wide

Everyone's caught on a carousel pony

And one time around is a lifetime ride

LanguageEnglish
Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

Circus Song by Don McLean captures the whimsical yet melancholy essence of a traveling circus, exploring themes of fleeting joy, nostalgia, and the transient nature of life. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, McLean paints a bittersweet picture of circus performers who entertain and enchant audiences temporarily before moving on. Key poignant moments include reflections on the hardships and sacrifices of the performers, underscoring the emotional and physical toll of their chosen lifestyle.

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