Lyrics Kevin Devine

Kevin Devine

Carnival

I quit the carnival and moved next door

Thought I'd had enough but I wanted more

So now I'm sneaking out at night

I clean my face and shine my shoes

And go where I'm not supposed to

See I tamed a lion once I stole his roar

Stripped his pride away but he found more

So now he's out to take what's his and shove

My future in my face and scare me back in my place

So soon so soon you've got it beat 'til it eats you

See I left my flaming sword beside your bed

I woke to find it pressed against my neck

You wept suggestion never works

So now I'm trying something else

I shut my eyes hold on... oh well

And I felt a feather fall a tree trunk split

Inside my lying mouth played violin

He said you should give up your voice

Before we both end up destroyed

I quit alright he purred good boy

You'll fall for anything when you're caught

You'll believe anyone and

I said that's not exactly true

Only you, you do what you do

You awake in the hospital in a thrift store suit

You hear your lover's voice from the waiting room

You shut your eyes and pray for peace

Think I'm not here this isn't me

This isn't something I would do

I know the complicated truth

A big top tent a firey sword

I make a mask of lions roar

But they're not real and never were

And soon she won't be real either

This is the life you went and earned

Because you never fucking learn

You could use up all of your years

Fixing the mess you make in here

So as her nervous dress draws closer

Dress heels click off their approach

You clutch your chest and whisper

"oh no, what will I do? what will I do?

My love, my love, what will I do?"