The Last Carnival

Album: Working on a Dream (2009)
Play Video
  • Sun down, sun down
    They're taking all the tents down
    Where have you gone my handsome Billy?

    Sun down, sun down
    The carnival trains leave town
    Where are you now darling Billy?

    We won't be dancing together on the high wire
    Facing the lions with you at my side anymore
    We won't be breathing the smoke and the fire
    On the midway

    Hanging from the trapeze
    My wrists waiting for your wrists
    Two daredevils high upon the wall of death
    He throws the knife, it lands inches from my head
    Sun down

    Moon rise, moon rise
    The light that was in your eyes is gone
    Daybreak, daybreak
    The singing you had made me ache is gone

    We'll be riding the train without you tonight
    The train that keeps on moving
    Its black smoke scorching the evening sky
    Millions of stars shining above us like every soul living and dead
    It's been gathered together by God
    Sing a hymn over your bones

    Sun down, sun down
    Empty are the fairgrounds
    Where are you now handsome Billy? Writer/s: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Marty from Milwaukee, WiThe billy referred to in this song is the same Billy from the earlier song Wild Billy's Circus Story from The Wild The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle. The Last Carnival is a beautiful goodbye to Danny Federici.
  • Matt from Ft. Lauderdale, FlBeautiful album closer. Danny will be missed forever.
  • Marty from Mount Vernon, IaThis is song is stunningly beautiful yet hauntingly sad. I love it. RIP Dan Federici.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

90s Metal

90s MetalFact or Fiction

Test your metal - Priest, Maiden, and Beavis and Butt-head show up in this one.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.