Leon Russell – Tightrope lyrics

Leon Russell – Tightrope lyrics

I'm up on the tightwire
One side's ice and one is fire
Its a circus game with you and me
I'm up on the tightrope
One side's hate and one is hope
But the tophat on my head is all you see
And the wire seems to be
The only place for me
A comedy of errors
And I'm falling

**Chorus**
Like a rubber-neck giraffe
You look into my past
Well maybe you're just to blind to - see
I'm up in the spotlight
Ohh does it feel right
Ohh the altitude
Seems to get to me

I'm up on the tightwire
Flanked by life and the funeral pyre
Putting on a show
For you to see

**Chorus**
Like a rubber-neck giraffe
You look into my past
Well maybe you're just too blind to - see
I'm up in the spotlight
Ohh does it feel right
Ohh the altitude
Really gets to get to me

I'm up on the tightwire
Flanked by life and the funeral pyre
Putting on a show for you to see

Lyrics taken from /lyrics/l/leon_russell/tightrope.html

Songwriters: Leon Russell

Tightrope lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Unregistered 2012-04-22 00:04:54

Hmm.
Leon appears to be a quiet fellow. I think the glare of public life is a bit much at times, but a powerful draw nevertheless. Therefore, pain and pleasure in the same package.
I saw him in concert at pirate's world in ft. Lauderdale, 1970. Hundreds of people rushed the stage. He kept his cool, but it was plain that he was extremely uncomfortable with the intensity of his charisma and its affect on people.
Leon is a conflicted exhibitionist, but as he says, "the wire seems to be the only place for me"
God bless elton john for bringing this great talent back to the limelight.

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Unregistered 2014-10-22 14:18:54

Very well said above. I think it's pretty clearly about the wonder, joy, and terror of performing (esp., in a large venue).
I attended a large concert in 1972 where he was elevated (on the stage) enough to not be physically invaded. Albert King preceded him and totally rocked the place. 20 minutes or so later a tiny spotlight appeared on his face, he sat at the piano, and sang an intimate "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Lights came up and the whole shebang was there and what followed was loud, great fun, and inspiring.
Just saw him in a small venue (we are all older, after all) and he played a solid, wonderful two hours, almost ignoring applause. Seemed very comfortable and happy. I hope so. What an immense talent!

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