C
When I was a young man, I ran away from home
Dm (Dm riff)
I went to join the circus
FG
Went to see the cotton candy whirl
CC/BAm
And make me lots of money on my own
CC/BAm
For Molly, oh my pretty Molly
FC
But she's waiting all alone
FCFGCCmaj7
Someday soon I will return to her
C
Then I made the big time, Bright lights show biz!
Dm (Dm riff)
I'm really in the circus!
FG
There's only one thing wrong;
CC/BAm
I haven't saved a penny on my own
CC/BAm
For Molly, oh my pretty Molly
FC
But she's writing every day
FCFGCCmaj7
Molly understands so it's okay
(This section isn't entirely accurate to John Denver's version but it sounds fine)
Cm
Ride a windy box car
Em
See a thousand children young and old
Dm
Oh that grease paint smile
Am
Can hide your soul
Cm
Here comes a carrousel
Guess which town it is
Em
Feel the thrill!
Dm
Grease paint covers everything
F
But winter's chill
( CDmFGCC/BAmCC/BAmFCFCCmaj7 )
(Slowly)
Dm (Dm riff)
I'm reading Molly's letter
F
The ink is fading
GC
And the page is turning yellow
C/BAmCC/BAm
Long ago I promised Molly
FC
Don't you know I
FCFGCCmaj7C
I will close my eyes and go to her
This arrangement for the song is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this for private study, scholarship, or research.