When I was a young man I ran away from home I went to join the circus I went to see the cotton candy 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 peony on my own For Molly, ah my pretty Molly But she's writing everyday Molly understands so it's OK. Ride a windy box car And 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 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.