I wanted the music to play on forever
Have I stayed too long at the fair?
I wanted the clown to be constantly clever
Have I stayed too long at the fair?

I bought me blue ribbons to tie up my hair
But I couldn't find anybody to care

The merry-go-round is beginning to slow now
Have I stayed too long at the fair?
The music has stopped and the children must go now
Have I stayed too long at the fair?

Oh, mother dear, I know you're very proud
Your little girl in gingham is so far above the crowd
No, daddy dear, you never could have known
That I would be successful, yet so very much alone

I wanted to live in a carnival city
With laughter and love everywhere
I wanted my friends to be thrilling and witty
I wanted somebody to care

I found my blue ribbons all shiny and new
But now I discover them no longer blue
The merry-go-round is beginning to taunt me
Have I stayed too long at the fair?
There is nothing to win
And there's no one to want me
Have I stayed too long at the fair?