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
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 every day
Molly understands so it's okay
(This section isn't entirely accurate to John Denver's version but it sounds fine)
Ride a windy box car
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 winter's chill
(Slowly)
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