Rosemary Clooney: “Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair?”

 

 

This song has long been my favorite Rosie Clooney interpretation. A few years ago, I searched in vain for it on the ‘Net. Since then, however, Steveway32 has ridden to the rescue of all lovers of this Clooney performance, not only with a clear recording, but an excellent accompanying video.

Music by Billy Barnes
Lyrics by Michael H. Goldsen
Version sung by Rosemary Clooney

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 the 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, and so very much alone.

Here in New York, I’m many worlds away,
From people who are dear to me,
Here in New York, I’m learning every day,
How very sad a carnival can be.

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 it was easy to capture success,
But now I’d be willing to settle for less,
The lights of the midway are fading above me,
Have I stayed too long at the fair?
I’d better run home to the people who love me,
For I’ve stayed too long at the fair.