When I Ran Away with the Circus

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When I ran away with the circus

I learned to juggle fire

Carried water and food 

for the tigers and lions

And I danced upon the highest of wires

The clowns and the bearded lady

The barkers, the wranglers all friends

We would build up the tent

A glittering spectacle of a show

And then we’d tear it all down again 

The road was always calling

For the next town waiting to see

The greatest show on this planet

It’s circus life for me. 

I ran away with the circus 

It’ truly is a freedom 

so few ever know

Sleeping under the night’s stars

A new place wherever you go

The time we spend together 

is a special time indeed

The magic of the circus 

Brings a smile to those in need.

I ran away with the circus 

I ran away with the circus 

I ran away with the circus 

I ran away with the circus 

And now ladies and gentlemen 

If you would please direct your attention to the center ring 

for your pleasure and amazement 

That you will remember for a lifetime

This, my friends, is pure entertainment 

a ballet of the most exquisite creatures 

assembled in one place for you to see

Elephants, horses, and llamas 

all moving in perfect synchronicity 

And if you will direct your eyes high above 

you will witness a visual display,

As we release a thousand white doves

Flying through the air!

And what is this?

Why, it’s more than you could ever have imagined!

All the colors of this extravaganza  

The magic of the big top

The whole world before your very eyes

All of this, just for you!

© 2019 Lance Harrison

It seems that the music tends to come to me first, and, in a way, the story here is true for me so it was an easy one to write. I did run away with ‘the circus’. One time we even helped start and organize a small circus in Israel. I did learn to juggle fire! Magical adventures with amazing people.

Making the music as I heard it was truly a gargantuan task that seemed, at times, to be impossible. I must have mixed and remixed a hundred times trying to find the right balance. There were so many moving parts; harmonies, contra melodies, sound effects, etc. that I believe it is the most complex piece of music I have ever recorded. There comes a time when you just have to proclaim it finished and move on, but I believe I completed what I set out to do.