The Great Valerio

(Lyrics / Music--Richard Thompson) Published by Warlock Music Ltd.

High up above the crowd

The great Valerio is walking

The rope seems hung from cloud to cloud

And time stands still as he is walking

His eye is steady on the target

His foot is sure upon the rope

Alone and peaceful as a mountain

And certain as a mountain slope

We falter at the sight

We stumble in the mire

Fools who think they see the light

Prepare to balance on the wire

But we learn to watch together

And feed on what we see above

Until our hearts turn like the seasons

And we are acrobats of love

CHORUS:

How we wonder, how we wonder, watching down below

We would all be that great hero

The Great Valerio

So come all you upstart jugglers

Are you really ready yet?

Who will help the tightrope walker

When soon he tumbles to the net?

So come with me to see Valerio

As he dances through the air

I'm your friend until you use me

And then be sure I won't be there