[Verse 1] The chalk dust rises like a ghostly cloud Above the roar of the restless crowd You step on the wire, thin as a breath One inch of silver between life and death I check the cables, I pull the line Your life is held by these hands of mine "In Wealth and in Woe," the oath we swore In the dust and the sweat of the arena floor [Pre-Chorus] [Music swells, tempo increases slightly] The spotlights spin, the drums commence The air in the tent is heavy and tense You leave the bar for the empty space With the starlight of heaven on your face [Chorus] [Whispering, muted trombone] For better or worse, we’re bound by the rope I am the gravity, you are the hope Without my silence, you couldn't scream I am the anchor to your soaring dream I hold your shadow when you’re out of reach Learning the lessons that the high wires teach In wealth and in woe, till the curtains fall I catch your spirit when you’ve given your all [Accordion or violin Solo] [Verse 2] The show is over, the greasepaint fades We leave the magic for the quiet shades I brew the tea while your tired hands shake I’m the only one who stays wide awake To cool your feet and to soothe the fire The hidden cost of the soaring wire When the nightmares come and you walk in your sleep I am the promise that you get to keep [Bridge] [Melancholic Accordion or violin Solo] They cheer for the flyer, they never see The man in the darkness, the strength underneath When the wire trembles under your feet My steady pulse is the rhythm you meet I am no performer, I have no name But I am the spark in your brilliant flame If I let go, the world would break I live for the breath that you get to take [Trombone Solo - Dramatic, weeping melody] [Chorus] For better or worse, we’re bound by the rope I am the gravity, you are the hope Without my silence, you couldn't scream I am the anchor to your soaring dream I hold your shadow when you’re out of reach Learning the lessons that the high wires teach In wealth and in woe, till the curtains fall I catch your spirit when you’ve given your all [Outro] [Music strips back to a single violin and soft accordion] The towel is ready, the kettle is hot I’m everything they saw... and what they did not Sleep now, my flyer, the sky is put away "for better or worse"... until the break of day [Accordion or violin Solo] [Final soft chime] [End]
