Verse 1:

Now I've been quite the traveler

Ever since I hit the road

And the sullen county carnival

Has been my earn in gold



Verse 2:

I've been quite alone

Since I remember when

I turned my ultimatums

Into chips and cashed them in



Verse 3:

I used to run the Ferris wheel

But that'd be hard to prove

I can't stand to see a rolling wheel

Propped up so it can't move



Verse 4:

I used to run the carousel

Hell, that's just round and round

I never liked to see them ponies

Painted up and bolted down



Chorus:

The only thing that keeps me from stayin' here is leavin'

The only thing that saves me from it all is I'll be gone

Just when I could trust in all the things that I believe in

I had to pack it up and move along

And I'll tell you the boys I'm not the only one



Verse 5:

I was a straight man at the ring toss

But that was just a jaunt

I can't see throwin' rings around

Things you don't really want



Verse 6:

I could run the roller coaster

But that might break my heart

So much hard travelin'

Just to wind up where you start



Verse 7:

Now I just work the gateway

And I'm pretty satisfied

My little booth is red and blue

And I just sit inside



Verse 8:

I just take your money

And give tickets out in trade

Think about my life

And all the promises I made



Chorus:

The only thing that keeps me from stayin' here is leavin'

The only thing that saves me from it all is I'll be gone

Just when I could trust in all the things that I believe in

I had to pack it up and move along

And I'll tell you the boys I'm not the only one

Who's runnin' from the things he's left undone