[Intro] Ladies Gentlemen And whatever slipped in under the tent You came for wonder You stayed for the fine print Places [Call] When I say welcome WELCOME When I say circus CIRCUS When I say where HELL [Hook] Welcome to the circus The circus from hell Welcome to the circus You rang the bell Smile for the ring Don’t trust the smile Welcome to the circus Sit down a while [Act I – The Clown] First act A clown with a painted alibi He trips on purpose He bows to the lie He pulls a long night from a little red sleeve And asks if the joke was the thing you believe Ha Ha Ha He only laughs after you do Then he keeps the laugh And rents it to you [Act II – The Knife Thrower] Second act A thrower who outlines your doubt He misses the apple He outlines the mouth Every blade is a question you already knew The wheel spins you slowly The wheel agrees with you Ooh Applause if you’re still the same shape [Hook] Welcome to the circus The circus from hell Welcome to the circus Buy what we sell One little ticket One little soul Welcome to the circus Don’t leave before the roll [Act III – The Tightrope] Third act A rope with a lawyer’s thin smile She walks on a clause She waves all the while Below her, your plans in a net full of holes She doesn’t fall That’s the joke she sold Shh You may breathe when she bows Not before [Act IV – The Disappearing Act] Fourth act A volunteer You Yes, you in the nice clean doubt Step into the box We fold the night out We saw you in half with a velvet routine The top half waves The bottom half means No Too late That’s the magic You already agreed And for my next impression Your empty seat [Violin-Organ Break] [Act V – The Ringmaster’s Pet] Final act before the bow that isn’t a bow A beast with my posture And twice my vow I crack the cane It sits in the light It wears my face On a matinee night …welcome? Close It learned that from you [Bridge] You wanted lions You wanted awe I sold you a mirror And called it a maw No refunds No exits The tent is the law If the joke lands You’re part of the act If it doesn’t You’re still part of the act [Final Hook] Welcome to the circus The circus from hell Welcome to the circus Answer the bell When I say welcome WELCOME When I say circus CIRCUS When I say stay …stay There it is Welcome to the circus The circus from hell Welcome to the circus Ring the bell Welcome to the circus The circus from hell [Outro] Same time tomorrow You already bought the ticket Ha ha ha ha ha Welcome
