Meaning of "Carnival Song" by Tim Buckley

"Carnival Song" by Tim Buckley delves into the theme of disillusionment and the façade of happiness often presented in life. The carnival and circus setting serve as a metaphor for the deceptive nature of society, where people are willing to sing and dance for superficial rewards like pennies and gold. The singer's longing for the night symbolizes a desire to escape the harsh realities of life, where people wear masks to hide their true selves. The references to children learning from the mistakes of others and growing up with greed suggest a cycle of perpetuating falsehoods and dishonesty. The contrast between the outward display of joy and the underlying sense of shame and deceit highlights the dichotomy between appearances and reality. Overall, the song underscores the idea that life is a performance, with people putting on a show to conceal their inner struggles and flaws.