"Life is a Carnival" is the opening track of the Band's fourth album, Cahoots.

Written by Rick Danko, Levon Helm, and Robbie Robertson, the song features horn arrangements by New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint.

The song is the only track from the Cahoots album included on the original releases of Rock of Ages and The Last Waltz.

"[2] Record World said "With the funkiest introduction, premier underground act will greatly add to their legion of fans.

"[3] Musical notation for this song is printed on a wall behind Levon Helm's grave in Woodstock, New York.