[Intro – Immediate Male Shout] Crack the latch—let the grinning things parade! Count to one; the whole town’s unafraid! [Whisper] Did you hear the floorboards laugh? [Verse 1 – Gritty Male Shout] Tin-tooth moon over crooked rooftops, Pumpkin wheels and the ticket booth drops. A paper crown on a scarecrow king, He pulls one string and the rafters sing. Red wax drips from the fortune-teller’s hand, The painted band marches out of the sand. You came for a look—now the gates swing wide, Keep your little heartbeat on the inside! [Stop-Start Break] Step—! (Whisper: Come closer.) Stop—! (Whisper: Don’t blink.) Step—! The grinning dolls are counting! Stop—! The floorboards drink! [Chorus – Male Thrash Shout] Run with the rattle, race with the fright! The crooked parade owns the middle of night! Clap once—heads turn! Stomp twice—heels fly! The whole painted carnival’s learning to bite! [Whisper] Smile for the ticket. [Shout] THE RIDE DOESN’T END WHEN YOU WANT IT TO! [Verse 2 – Fast, Harsh Shout] A brass-toed clown with a pocket of keys, Sells bottled thunder and counterfeit breeze. The carousel horses bare sugar-glass teeth, Their painted eyes follow your steps underneath. A tambourine shakes in a cold little hand, The barker keeps grinning; the clock leaves the stand. You ask for the exit—the map folds in two, Every red arrow points back to you! [Whispered Tension Reset] Hush now… Hear the little bell? One for the door. Two for the spell. [Chorus – Full Male Thrash Shout] Run with the rattle, race with the fright! The crooked parade owns the middle of night! Clap once—heads turn! Stomp twice—heels fly! The whole painted carnival’s learning to bite! [Whisper] Smile for the ticket. [Shout] THE RIDE DOESN’T END WHEN YOU WANT IT TO! [Breakdown – Stomping Shouts] Mask up! Chin down! Turn that tin wheel round! [Whisper] Who’s beneath the paint? [Shout] YOU ARE—WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT! [Bridge – Low, Menacing Male Voice] The calliope slows. The paper moon bends. The barker removes his face— And the crowd applauds again. [Final Burst – Male Thrash Shout] Kick the gate! Let the red flags tear! Run through the smoke if you dare, if you dare! The crooked parade can’t keep what it takes— We laugh at the teeth and we rattle the stakes! [Outro – Mischievous Spooky-Carnival Groove] [Male, Playful Shout] Round and round, little troublemakers! Step right up—there’s room for one more! [Whisper] Your ticket says… tomorrow. [Male Shout] HA!
