The Great Valerio

(Lyrics / Music--Richard Thompson) Published by Warlock Music Ltd.

High up above the crowd
the great Valerio is walking
The rope seems hung from cloud to cloud
and time stands still as he is walking
His eye is steady on the target
His foot is sure upon the rope
Alone and peaceful as a mountain
and certain as a mountain slope

We falter at the sight
We stumble in the mire
Fools who think they see the light
Prepare to balance on the wire
But we learn to watch together
and feed on what we see above
until our hearts turn like the seasons
and we are acrobats of love

CHORUS:
How we wonder, how we wonder, watching down below
We would all be that great hero
The Great Valerio

So come all you upstart jugglers
Are you really ready yet?
Who will help the tightrope walker
when soon he tumbles to the net?
So come with me to see Valerio
as he dances through the air
I'm your friend until you use me
and then be sure I won't be there