Shadows on the Parade

[Verse 1] Walking down the avenue at five to noon City’s humming like a distant tune Footsteps fall where the old dreams fade Still we dress it up and join the parade [Pre-Chorus] And I wonder if the suits all know That the paint is cracking in the show [Chorus] We are the shadows on the parade Smiling wide in the masquerade Dreams in our pockets, hearts in the shade Still dancing like nothing’s ever frayed [Verse 2] Coffee cools on the table for two Empty chairs but the sky stays blue Talk is cheap, and the cost runs deep Still we gamble what we ought to keep [Pre-Chorus] And I wonder if the kids all see The truth behind the finery [Chorus] We are the shadows on the parade Waving flags that are gently frayed Beat of the drum in a world mislaid Still marching like debts have all been paid [Bridge] Midnight taxis, neon light blur Promises whispered, barely heard But we keep on walking, straight and proud Too tired to cry, too young to bow [Final Chorus – extended] We are the shadows on the parade Smiling wide in the masquerade Fighting the current we never made Still singing in the light that fades We are the ones the past betrayed Still hoping for a new crusade Under the banners of songs we played The soul remains — and won’t be swayed.