Page type: lyric reference
Artist: John Gorka
Canonical path: /gorka-john/carnival-knowledge
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
Carnival Knowledge
Read Carnival Knowledge lyrics by John Gorka on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Carnival Knowledge
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
I've never done it said the circus clown
See this is really my nose
I ran away back in junior high
Got this job and these clothes
You know I started out an altar boy
So that retarded me some
I've been saving up and down for years
To have the surgery done
I had a chance once with the popcorn girl
Until her father stopped that
He said he'd give me holes I didn't need
With a certain knifethrowing act
I'll roll my quarters and I'll roll my dimes
Till I am out of this place
You may know someone who would want my job
And a second hand face
I know a doctor who can do the job
Back in our winter town
It's slow to save what on this salary
And so much competition around
It got so bad I just didn't try no more
A heatless low head of esteem
I have to settle for the paper views
And the occasional dream
The smile I've got is one that's painted on
I could paint one on you
I just can't sell myself to pay for love
Like the other clowns do
I'll roll my quarters and I'll roll my dimes
Till I am out of this place
You may know someone who would want my job
And a second hand face
And a second hand face
And a second hand face
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Carnival Knowledge"?
John Gorka performs "Carnival Knowledge", and this lyric page sits inside the John Gorka catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Carnival Knowledge"?
Yes. The related section below points to A Saint's Complaint and After Yesterday with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by John Gorka?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through John Gorka's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Carnival Knowledge yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.