How many times on this merry-go-round Over and over again Up on the horse was a weak, foolish child Who never believed it would end How many smokes 'til I'm satisfied How many drinks 'til I'm happy How much of the day will I watch fade away Until there is no one to ask me I was gone, so gone Gone, so gone For a while How many times will I sleep by your side Turning and dreaming and scared Of fair grounds that shut down as you ride away And my horse won't go anywhere I was gone, so gone Gone, so gone For a while I was wrong, so wrong Wrong, so wrong For a while How many songs will I try to write All with the same thing to say I've got two tickets left, won't you please stay with me For the very last ride of the day