Put On a Smile

Smile. It's ok. It'll only hide how you really feel.

Wrap the scarf around your neck,

But no goodbyes; not just yet.

Take it off, replace with blue

Painted on shirt, splattered on shoes.

Put on the shorts hugging your thighs

Quickly, quickly! Rush rush rush.

They’re on! Get ready!  Hush hush hush

Run to the room, don’t trip, don’t fall.

Hurry past people (nothing more than dolls).

Sit in a chair, let them color your face.

Hide natural beauty and disguise your race.

Change your face to cover the lies.

 

Put on a smile as a mask;

Put on a smile to hide from reality;

Put on a smile so that no one

Can look at you and realize:

The stress will get to you tonight.

 

You’re pushed and shoved until you’re in place.

Someone walks up to arrange the lace.

Wait your turn, stand in line.

Deep breath; it will soon be fine.

Raise those dramatic eyes.

Ready? Go! Rush rush rush

Don’t talk; shut up! Hush hush hush.

“Go!” she screams, so you take your first step"

Foot in front of foot, right and then left.

Sounds pierce your ears, so loud you could burst

As camera’s keep flashing, getting what they thirst.

Hold back your suppressed cries.

 

Put on a smile as a mask;

Put on a smile to hide from reality;

Put on a smile so that no one

Can look at you and realize:

You’re breaking free tonight.

 

Concentrate: keep your feet on the ‘way.

Ignore the constant clicks, flashes; do not go astray.

Pause, spin, then turn around

Leave this crowd, this chaos, this horrid sound.

Tonight will break the ties.

Get back! Move! Rush rush rush.

You’re through. Don’t leave. Hush hush hush

Smile, for real, and walk calmly backstage

Go meet the manager, release your rage.

“I quit” you say.  “You own me no more.

You can’t force me, you can’t control me anymore.

This is my goodbye.”

 

Put on a smile that’s not a mask;

Put on a smile that is reality;

Put on a smile so that everyone

Can look at you and realize:

You are finally free tonight.