The lion master shows his trust and pride
The clown takes off his nose and climbs inside
The cannon shoots him higher than a cloud goes
We can feel the tightrope quivering
The tingles on our skin are shivering
We work without a net to cushion our fall
We got to be willing to believe
We still have a few tricks up our sleeve to use
That we must use
Before the circus is over – Before the circus is over
Before the circus is over
The ringmaster still teases our fantasy
Artists on trapezes fly gracefully
Bareback rider tumbles through hoops of fire
The big top was our mecca, our getaway
Now let’s make sure what matters is what holds sway and choose
But we must choose
Before the circus is over – Before the circus is over
Before the circus is over
As the parade winds out of sight
And disappears into the night
As we wave our fond farewells
We cannot stop the thought that dwells
What do men have in common with the circus
What do men have in common with the circus
We got to be willing to believe
We still have a few tricks up our sleeve to use
That we must use; we’re free to choose; but we must choose
Before the circus is over – Before the circus is over
Before the circus is over – Before the circus is over