Ohlenbusch writes and performs solo under his own name. He also fronts the band Gentle Hen (formerly School for the Dead). He is also a writer and member of The Gay Potatoes and often plays in Polaris and the Mark Mulcahy band. He is a key member of The Fawns as well. You can also see him sometimes filling in on bass for the Winterpills.
Ohlenbusch is also a producer and engineer. He has worked quite a bit with Mark Mulcahy producing his acclaimed album "Dear Mark J. Mulcahy, I Love You" and the recent cassingle release by Polaris. He also recently produced albums by Ray Mason, Sitting Next To Brian, Salvation Alley String Band, and more.
Carnival
Henning Ohlenbusch Lyrics
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If you were to try and kiss me.
Carousel, The horses won't tell,
If you were to try and kiss me.
Carnival, Summertime eternal.
The colored lights,
The smell of cotton candy.
Haunted house, as quietly as a mouse,
You tell me that you like me.
Roller coaster, you know you're supposed to
Be scared and hold on to me.
Carnival, Summertime eternal.
The colored lights,
The evening breeze,
The smell of cotton candy.
Only the fat lady knows.
And she won't tell a soul.
Carnival, Summertime eternal.
The colored lights,
The evening breeze,
The smell of cotton candy.
The lyrics of Henning Ohlenbusch's song, "Carnival," paint a vivid picture of the atmosphere created by the carnival. The song is about a potential romantic encounter at a carnival, where the brightly colored lights and the smell of cotton candy evoke a summertime everlasting feel. The lyrics suggest that the carnival is a haven for fun, excitement, and anonymity, where people can create unforgettable memories.
The first verse mentions the Ferris wheel and how an umbrella can conceal a kiss, indicating a romantic interest that might not want to be exposed publicly. The second verse describes the carousel, and the horses that won't tell, reinforcing the privacy aspect of this potential relationship. The inclusion of the haunted house and roller coaster adds an element of adventure and thrill to the potential romance. The lyrics suggest that the carnival creates an environment where inhibitions can be lowered due to the excitement of the rides, games, and attractions. The chorus repeats the idea of summertime eternal, indicating that the carnival experience creates a sense of timelessness.
The final verse mentions that only the fat lady knows what happens at the carnival, but she won't tell a soul. This implies that the memories and experiences created at the carnival are protected and kept sacred. The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, indicating that the carnival continues to be a place of magical experiences and memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Ferris wheel, umbrella conceals, If you were to try and kiss me.
If you were to try and kiss me on the Ferris wheel, my umbrella will conceal us from view.
Carousel, The horses won't tell, If you were to try and kiss me.
If you were to try and kiss me on the carousel, the horses won't reveal our secret.
Carnival, Summertime eternal. The colored lights, The evening breeze, The smell of cotton candy.
The carnival evokes a sense of eternal summertime, with its colorful lights, gentle evening breeze, and sweet scent of cotton candy.
Haunted house, as quietly as a mouse, You tell me that you like me.
In the haunted house, you whisper to me as quietly as a mouse that you like me.
Roller coaster, you know you're supposed to Be scared and hold on to me.
On the roller coaster, you're expected to be scared and hold on to me for comfort.
Only the fat lady knows. And she won't tell a soul.
The secret of what happens at the carnival is known only to the fat lady, and she won't reveal it to anyone.
Contributed by Adrian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.