They bang the hammer and they pitch the tents Throw up some posters for the residents Your daddy's footfalls on the rain-slicked streets You try to keep up with your tiny feets Take it easy baby nice and slow Little Walter's got a ways to go I lacks a nickel momma don't you know Circus money for the early show The tiger's sleeping and he can't wake up You pitch some pennies in a paper cup They guess your age — they guess your weight You toss the softballs at the china plates Hold'er steady baby there you go Let me hit you honey sweet and low Thus the tab is written blow by blow Circus money for the evening show All the horses baby all the men Round the circle and around again You watch some hobo take a nasty spill Laugh like a bastard oh you know you will You got to have it when you first walk up You drop a dollar in the old tin cup You're gonna need it when it's time to go Circus money for the late late show