[Verse 1] Who has not crossed the bridge of emotions, Where restless little lights still glow, Flickering softly through the darkness, Like stars that night winds know? They shine so bright beneath the heavens, Yet fade beneath the morning sun, Like a smile upon a weary face, Hiding all the tears that run. [Pre-Chorus] There is a bird behind the iron, Singing though its heart is sore, And the crowd keeps on applauding, Never hearing what it cries for. [Chorus] Oh, the mask of beautiful smiling How it hides what words won't say (what words won't say) Playing all the lovely roles We have learned along the way But beneath the painted laughter There is still a heart that's free Waiting for the dawn to find it Waiting just to truly be [Verse 2] Every note becomes a story, Every song a silent plea, While the world celebrates the music, No one sees the tears they cannot see. Life can wear a painted costume, Like a joker beneath the lights, Making strangers laugh with wonder, While he wrestles through the nights. [Pre-Chorus] Though his own road may be broken, Though his heart may ache and bend, Still he smiles for every stranger, Still he plays until the end. [Chorus] Oh, the mask of beautiful smiling How it hides what words won't say (what words won't say) Playing all the lovely roles We have learned along the way But beneath the painted laughter There is still a heart that's free Waiting for the dawn to find it Waiting just to truly be [Bridge] And one day I will unveil it, Let the hidden colors shine, I will laugh as loud as thunder, I will cry and still be fine. I will dance beneath the open sky, Let the wild wind carry me, And for once I'll live a moment That belongs completely to me. [Verse 3] No day is ever like another, Every morning starts anew, Every sunrise brings a promise, Every sky a brighter blue. Though the night may hold its shadows, Though the road may twist and bend, Like the sun that waits for morning, Hope is sure to rise again. [Final Chorus] So let the stars keep softly shining, Let the tired old bridge remain, I will cross it without hiding, I will walk through joy and rain. And when sunlight fills the silence, I will face the world and say: I am more than all my sorrow— I am here, and this is my day.
