When I was a young man I ran away from home I went to join the circus I went to see the cotton whirl And make me lots on 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, oh my pretty Molly She's writing everyday But Molly understands so it's OK. Ride a windy box car See a thousand children young and old Ah that grease paint smile can hide your soul Here comes a carrousel guess which town it is Feel the thrill Grease paint covers everything Winters 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.