Sun down, sun down
They're taking all the tents down
Where have you gone my handsome Billy?

Sun down, sun down
The carnival trains leave town
Where are you now darling Billy?

We won't be dancing together on the high wire
Facing the lions with you at my side anymore
We won't be breathing the smoke and the fire
On the midway

Hanging from the trapeze
My wrists waiting for your wrists
Two daredevils high upon the wall of death
He throws the knife, it lands inches from my head
Sun down

Moon rise, moon rise
The light that was in your eyes is gone
Daybreak, daybreak
The singing you had made me ache is gone

We'll be riding the train without you tonight
The train that keeps on moving
Its black smoke scorching the evening sky
Millions of stars shining above us like every soul living and dead
It's been gathered together by God
Sing a hymn over your bones

Sun down, sun down
Empty are the fairgrounds
Where are you now handsome Billy?