Verse 1 You got a clean cut fade and a backstage pass Say you’re moving slow but you’re talking fast Every little deal just a photograph You don’t let a good one last Pre-Chorus You keep it cool with a sideways glance Always halfway out of the dance ⸻ Chorus Clean cut fade — you’re a neon dream Say what you want, don’t say what you mean Clean cut fade — got it all rehearsed Give me your best and your worst (Backing vocals: “Fade… don’t fade away…”) ⸻ Verse 2 You slide downtown in a borrowed name Every late-night move just a mirror game You’re playing both sides for a little fame But it always ends the same Pre-Chorus You got that smile like a loaded card Play it soft but you play it hard ⸻ Chorus Clean cut fade — you’re a neon dream Nothing’s ever quite what it seems Clean cut fade — running hot then cold Never doing what you’re told (Backing vocals tighter, rhythmic) ⸻ Instrumental Section [Lead Guitar Solo – 12–16 bars] [Tenor Sax Solo – 12 bars] [Trombone Solo – 12 bars] ⸻ Bridge You say it’s all just part of the show Hit your mark then you go But every line you let me know Comes back in undertow ⸻ Final Chorus Clean cut fade — now you’re stepping out What’s it all about? Clean cut fade — every move delayed Every hand you played (Backing vocals layered and syncopated)
