Sadly, this song is all too real for many Michigan residents. -A personal favorite.
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Story behind the song
A friend sent me the lyrics and said he had a "Springsteen" sound in mind. I picked up my Martin DX1 and and in about 20 minutes God blessed me with the chords and melody.
Lyrics
Word on the street the shops are shutting down
No jobs no work, the ghosts have left this town
Can't pack up tight and head right down South
No chance, that chance is gone
I look each night at my baby's face
We talk, we drink and in our dreams we leave this place
Charleston, Nashville, the kids can pick our way
Dreams don't last that long
The night never lasts that long
But each July, the town starts to heal
The carousel rides and the burnt orange sails
The smell of beer and the music swells
Baby it's carnival
Baby it's carnival
Stand on the shore wave the boats goodbye
Walk along the water hear the waves at night
One more day before the music dies
Goodbye to carnival
Come Monday morning I'm sittin' at the shore
No place to be, no work to head there for
Can't pack up tight and hop a ship headin' South
No chance, that chance is gone
I lay in bed and touch my baby's face
We talk, we drink we know we'll never leave this place
We'll dream one day the kids'll find their way
Dreams can last that long
But each July the town starts to feel
The lights, the bells, and the burnt orange sails
The ships have found their way back home
Baby it's carnival
Stand on the shore, wave the boats goodbye
Walk along the water hear the waves at night
One more day before the music dies
Goodbye to carnival
Goodbye to carnival