Standard tuning, no capo

. - pause
~ - no pause between words
--># - slide up a fret

Intro
C Am G

C                      Am         
I.. have taken the same ride 
         F
too many times
        G
i could fall asleep . . .

C
I . . . 
         Am
know the lions 
         F
sleep in cages
         G
when day turns to night. . . 

C                            Am 
I~know the . clowns wipe~the~fake .
                        F
makeup~smiles~off~their~faces
         G
when the show is done . . .

    C                       Am 
And I~know the . tight~rope~walkers
              F
have blisters on . .
      G
their feet . .

    C                            Am                     F
and i~know~the . strong~man~just~isn't~as . strong as he once was .
  G-->#
before . . 

        C                       Am                        
Ooo~and I know the ringmaster . doesn't believe in what he 
F
yells~to~the~crowd .
   G-->#
anymore
 
        C                            Am
Ooo and I know the candy floss has . always been just
F         G--->#
sugar and air

          C(palm mute)
OOoo~but~you......
            Am
You are the only reason . . .
F
I . . .
          G
come back here

Outro 
C Am F G C
OOooooo