Kevin Devine Carnival lyrics

I quit the carnival and moved next door
Thought I'd had enough but I wanted more
So now I'm sneaking out at night
I clean my face and shine my shoes
And go where I'm not supposed to

'Cause I tamed a lion once, I stole his roar
Stripped his pride away but he found more
So now he's out to take what's his and shove
My future in my face and scare me back in my place
So soon, so soon, you've got it beat 'til it eats you

I left my flaming sword beside your bed
I woke to find it pressed against my neck
You wept suggestion never works
So now I'm trying something else
I shut my eyes hold on, oh well

I felt a feather fall, a tree trunk split
Inside my lying lap played violin
He said you should give up your voice
Before we both end up destroyed
I quit alright, he purred good boy

'Cause you'll believe anything
And when you're caught you'll fall for anyone
I said that's not exactly true

Only you, I do what you do

You awake in the hospital in a thrift store suit
You hear your lover's voice from the waiting room
You shut your eyes and pray for peace
Think I'm not here, this isn't me, this isn't something I would do
I know the complicated truth

I make a mask of lions roar
A big top tent, a fiery sword
But they're not real and never were
And soon she won't be real either

This is the life you went and earned
Because you never fucking learn
And you could waste all of your years
Fixing the mess you make in here

So as her nervous dress draws closer
Dress heels click off their approach
You clutch your chest and whisper
Oh no, what will I do? What will I do?
My love, my love what will I do?