Verse 1:
Now I've been quite the traveler
Ever since I hit the road
And the sullen county carnival
Has been my earn in gold

Verse 2:
I've been quite alone
Since I remember when
I turned my ultimatums
Into chips and cashed them in

Verse 3:
I used to run the Ferris wheel
But that'd be hard to prove
I can't stand to see a rolling wheel
Propped up so it can't move

Verse 4:
I used to run the carousel
Hell, that's just round and round
I never liked to see them ponies
Painted up and bolted down

Chorus:
The only thing that keeps me from stayin' here is leavin'
The only thing that saves me from it all is I'll be gone
Just when I could trust in all the things that I believe in
I had to pack it up and move along
And I'll tell you the boys I'm not the only one

Verse 5:
I was a straight man at the ring toss
But that was just a jaunt
I can't see throwin' rings around
Things you don't really want

Verse 6:
I could run the roller coaster
But that might break my heart
So much hard travelin'
Just to wind up where you start

Verse 7:
Now I just work the gateway
And I'm pretty satisfied
My little booth is red and blue
And I just sit inside

Verse 8:
I just take your money
And give tickets out in trade
Think about my life
And all the promises I made

Chorus:
The only thing that keeps me from stayin' here is leavin'
The only thing that saves me from it all is I'll be gone
Just when I could trust in all the things that I believe in
I had to pack it up and move along
And I'll tell you the boys I'm not the only one
Who's runnin' from the things he's left undone