Welcome to the Show

<intro>

Step into the tent, feel the velvet glow,

Bright lights, fake teeth, put on a show.

Ha—ha—ha! *<laugh>*

Bring your pennies, bring your fear,

Giggles smiles — the end is near.

<verse 1> (rap)

I juggle light, I juggle lies, paint a grin to sell the night,

Two-faced mirror, cheap confetti, neon teeth and broken light.

They clap for tricks, they pay to stare, curtain call on my disguise,

But under greasepaint, something’s waiting — a hollow in my eyes.

Ha—ha! *<laugh>*

Heartbeat racing with the drums, a metronome of panic ticks,

My jokes land soft, then bite — my humor’s full of broken bits.

<pre-chorus> (melodic)

Smile for the camera, say the line, don’t let them see the seam,

I laugh to keep the shadows back, but shadows live inside the dream.

Hee—hee—hee. *<laugh>*

<chorus> (anthemic)

Welcome to the show — where the bright lights hide the blood,

We laugh until it’s hollow, until the truth cuts through the mud.

Ha—ha—ha! *<laugh>*

Clap your hands, don’t fall behind, follow me into the glow,

Tonight the circus calls your name — welcome to the show.

<verse 2> (rap)

Candy-coated threats, candy floss and crooked teeth,

Puppets on a string, parents leave, the kids believe.

I spit a rhyme about salvation, trade a truth for thirty bucks,

But every grin I sell returns like thunder, tighter in my guts.

Ha—ha—ha! *<laugh>*

My laughter pops like static — a glitch inside the reel,

I try to play the happy part but feel the coldness steal.

<bridge> (spoken/sung, eerie)

Listen — the organ moans, the horses have no names,

The popcorn tastes like rust, and someone’s calling flames.

Hee—hee… *<laugh>*

Do you feel that tug? The tent is folding inward slow,

Faces bend like wax; the mirror’s never been my friend.

<chorus> (louder, distorted)

Welcome to the show — where the bright lights hide the blood,

We laugh until it’s hollow, until the truth cuts through the mud.

Ha—ha—ha—ha! *<laugh>*

Step closer if you dare, take my hand, let the curtains blow,

I’ll sell you one last laugh — welcome to the show.

<outro> (quiet, menacing)

The crowd goes silent, pockets emptied, pockets hollow,

I bow and bar the door — tonight I’ll borrow sorrow.

A single laugh, then many — echo down the rows.

Ha—ha—ha… *<laugh>*

Goodnight, bright lights — the clown takes home your throes.