Standing on the water, casting your bread
  While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing
  Distant ships sailing into the mist
  You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing
  Freedom just around the corner for you
  But with truth so far off, what good will it do.
    Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
  Bird fly high by the light of the moon
  Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
    So swiftly the sun sets in the sky
  You rise up and say goodbye to no one
  Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
  Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show one
  Shedding off one more layer of skin
  Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.
    Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
  Bird fly high by the light of the moon
  Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
    You're a man of the mountain, you can walk on the clouds
  Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister
  You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah
  But what do you care ? Ain't nobody there would want marry your sister
  Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame
  You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any name.
    Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
  Bird fly high by the light of the moon
  Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
    Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy
  The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers
  In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed
  Michelangeo indeed could've carved out your features
  Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space
  Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face.
    Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
  Bird fly high by the light of the moon
  Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
    Well, the rifleman's stalking the sick and the lame
  Preacherman seeks the same, who'll get there first is uncertain
  Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks
  Molotow cocktails and rocks behind every curtain
  False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin
  Only a matter of time 'til the night comes stepping in.
    Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
  Bird fly high by the light of the moon
  Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
    It's a shadowy world, skies are slippery gray
  A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in scarlet
  He'll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat
  Take the motherless children off the street
  And place them at the feet of a harlot
  Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants
  Oh, Jokerman, you don't show any response.
    Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
  Bird fly high by the light of the moon
  Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.