[Verse] Big top dreams and dusty shoes A painted smile that's seen some abuse Saw the world through chipped-up blues I stay put, I refuse to lose [Prechorus] The carousel coughs out its hum My heart beats out a stubborn drum [Chorus] Oh, I'm a clown, a circus king With a cracked-up anthem I still sing A crooked joy, a hard-won thing My painted smile, never surrendering [Verse 2] Spotlight glares on a half-blown stage Ripping pages from a boxcar age Trapped inside a brass-ring cage Still I hold, I won't disengage [Prechorus] The laughter thins, a hollow plea Still here, still me [Chorus] Oh, I'm a clown, a circus king With a cracked-up anthem I still sing A crooked joy, a hard-won thing My painted smile, never disappearing
