[Verse 1] When your candle flickers out, When your final breath is drawn, There's a road beneath the moonlight That appears before the dawn. Follow where the lanterns shimmer, Hear the distant music call, Past the willow, past the shadows, To the Midnight Carnival. [Verse 2] At the gate you'll meet the Barker, Dressed in velvet, black and red, With a ticket held between his fingers, For the newly counted dead. "Keep it close until they call your name, Keep it safe through rise and fall. Till the Ferryman comes calling, Welcome to the Carnival." [Chorus] Round and round the horses ride, Ghosts go laughing side by side. Toss the rings and test your aim, Take your turn and play the game. See the silver wheel turn high, Hear the bells beneath the sky. Dance until you hear the call, At the Midnight Carnival. [Verse 3] Some have waited seven evenings, Some a hundred years or more. Some have only just discovered What awaits beyond the door. Old souls teach the new souls to dance, New souls learn the games they play. Nobody knows when the bell will ring, Or whose name it'll call away. [Verse 4] Past the tents and painted horses, Past the lanterns burning low, Lies a river dark and endless, Where the silent waters flow. Neither moon nor star can find it, Neither wind nor bird will roam. Those who've crossed beside the Ferryman Have finally journeyed home. [Chorus] Round and round the horses ride, Ghosts go laughing side by side. Toss the rings and test your aim, Take your turn and play the game. See the silver wheel turn high, Hear the bells beneath the sky. Dance until you hear the call, At the Midnight Carnival. [Bridge] One bell rings—the organ slows. Two bells ring—the cold wind blows. Three bells ring—the midway stills. One name echoes through the hills. All step back and clear the way, None would ask a soul to stay. Ticket trembling in their hand, The Ferryman waits upon the sand. [Verse 5] Then the Barker bows before them, And the old band starts to play. Every soul along the midway Gathers round to wave their way. Past the glow of painted lanterns, To the river down below, The Ferryman collects their ticket. Where he takes them, none can know. [Final Chorus] Round and round the horses ride, Ghosts go laughing side by side. Once the ferry leaves the shore, Noise fills the grounds once more. Round the silver wheel will crawl, Hear the bells and hear them call. One soul leaves beyond the wall— Then footsteps sound... A lantern sways... And someone new comes through the gate Of the Midnight Carnival. [Outro] When your candle flickers out, And your final night has come, Follow where the lanterns shimmer, Follow where the organ hums. Past the willow, past the wall, You will hear the Barker call: "Keep your ticket. Take your time. Welcome to the Carnival."
