you were a wanderer in north idaho

boots on the gravel for miles

you’d hustle them boys in the ol’ country dives

you’d sleep with your knife by your side

you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before

and this circus has wore you on down

 

you were a heavyweight, down in the ring

enough left in you still for a round

but you promised a man with a silver tipped pen

you would end with your face to the ground

you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before

and this circus has wore you on down

 

you were a waitress in oklahoma

them boys from the prairie were kind

but they slipped you a note with an offer at hand

and a ten dollar bill on the side

you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before

and this circus has wore you on down

 

you were a schoolboy, no older than ten

well johnny’d been after your hide

you found an ol’ rifle way back in the shed 

no daddy to pay it no mind

you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before

and this circus has wore you on down

 

you were a barber, you cut a clean shave

but you were short when the landlord came by

you sat in the summer heat, eyein’ your blades

and the cop always pacin’ in time

you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before

and this circus has wore you on down