[Verse] The beads fall down the balcony light Masks and laughter fill the night Colors swirl like a painted stream A fleeting spark in a vivid dream [Verse 2] On streets alive with brass and cheer The whispers of Lent draw near Feasts and farewells to pleasures deep For soon the soul takes a solemn leap [Chorus] Goodbye to the glow of revelry’s fire Hello to the ashes and heart’s desire Mardi Gras paves the winding way To forty nights and a sacred day [Verse 3] Gold and green and purple reign Above the drums that hum and strain A brighter storm before the rest Preparing hearts for Easter’s quest [Bridge] King Cakes crumble crown to crumb Trumpets fade where silence hums A turning tide no one can stall Yet beauty blooms in giving all [Chorus] Goodbye to the glow of revelry’s fire Hello to the ashes and heart’s desire Mardi Gras paves the winding way To forty nights and a sacred day
