M. Shepard

The stage is set to rip the wings from a butterfly (The stage is set) The stage is set don't forget to breathe (Between the lines) If the whole world dies, then it's safe to take the stage These graves will stretch like landing strips Hospitals, all dead museums We won't have to be afraid anymore The crowd is growing silent with the gathering storm When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side Just trying to keep up the act We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up Joining the procession of emptiness If we say these words it will be too late to take them back So we hold our breath and fold our hands Like paper airplanes (And we're going to crash) We don't have to be alone (We don't have to be alone) Ever again There's a riot in the theater, someone's standing in the aisles (Yelling that the nurderers) Are everywhere and they're lining up (Carving the 'm' in your side) Stand alone (This time) When the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side Just trying to keep up the act We'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up Joining the procession of emptiness The stage is set to rip the wings from the butterfly Pull the curtain back Kill all the houselights Pin the dress of lotus flowers The silk is spinning round and around with the ceiling fan I'm disappearing into the spotlight I'm on display with the butterfly with smiles With smiles like picket fences you tie us all up and leave us outside "That voice is silent now, the boat has sunk" We're on our own but we're not going to run --- M. Shepard - Thursday