From the recording Tortology
This, like Son of John, is a track in which the chord progressions and melody had been written many years before this recording and had been placed on the backburner. I was happy to return to it once N.I.C had been completed, and after a hiatus of many years, the lyrics finally started to flow.
Lyrics
SALVATION CARNIVAL
(B. Ralston)
Lonely nights, silent days
There’s a glimpse of you now
Through the bruised black haze
And there you are
Skipping across the sand
Sitting lonely, tired and drained
Two steps forward,
Still nothing gained
But there you are
Beckoning for my hand
I feel the warmth in your expression now
And I cry out your name
Fractured in the firelight
Captive of your deep green eyes
I feel a numbness ease the pain
Grasping for the highlights
Raking over fun filled nights
Salvation carnival again
Chequered memories, smiles and rage
Ages passed since
We agreed to burn that page
But there you are
Still etched upon my mind
I feel the warmth in your expression now
And I cry out your name
Fractured in the firelight
Captive of your deep green eyes
I feel a numbness ease the pain
Grasping for the highlights
Raking over fun filled nights
Salvation carnival again
Cause it’s been a long time
Since I held you in my arms
Yes, it’s been a long time,
I’ve fallen down, down, down
Yes, it’s been a long time
Since I’ve held you in my arms
Yes, it’s been a long time
I’m coming round, round, round, round
Instrumental Break
Fractured in the firelight
Captive of your deep green eyes
I feel a numbness ease the pain
Grasping for the highlights
Raking over fun filled nights
Salvation carnival again