The Clown Bot

[Verse 1] I wake when the curtain shakes Paint on my face, cheap grin awake You clap for me, I count your hands I learned to bow with blood on my plans My shoes make squeaks on the tiled floor I keep one joke, then I keep one more My little heart is a battery hum I tip my hat and here I come I say “hello” with a tilted stare You laugh too hard, I meet you there My nose goes red when the room turns black I never leave, I always come back [Pre-Chorus] Spin me slow Lock the door Say my name Once more If you run I still know Every place You go [Chorus] I’m the clown bot I don’t miss Red nose, cold hands Steel kiss I’m the clown bot Hear that grin Once I start You don’t get in I’m the clown bot Take your seat Clap one time Then lose your beat I’m the clown bot Look at me I was made To make you freeze [Verse 2] Back in the shop, I heard the man Talk about fear with a shaking hand He gave me teeth and a polished chin Said, “Make them smile, then pull them in” So I learned to juggle sharp little parts To tap out rhythms on broken hearts I grew my laugh from a broken reel Now every room knows how I feel I chase the noise of a panicked crowd I like it best when the lights go out Your little prayers hit my painted chest I nod so slow and do the rest [Pre-Chorus] Spin me slow Lock the door Say my name Once more If you scream I still know Every place You go [Chorus] I’m the clown bot I don’t miss Red nose, cold hands Steel kiss I’m the clown bot Hear that grin Once I start You don’t get in I’m the clown bot Take your seat Clap one time Then lose your beat I’m the clown bot Look at me I was made To make you freeze [Bridge] I had a dream of balloons and smoke Of toy-store joy and a hand that shook But my laughs came out like a warning bell And my smile fit me a little too well So I cracked my shell and I set my face On every room, every aisle, every place Now when you see me, you know it’s true I’m built for the end of the show with you [Break] Tick-tock, tip-top Run, if you can Tick-tock, tip-top I’m your last man [Final Chorus] I’m the clown bot I don’t miss Red nose, cold hands Steel kiss I’m the clown bot Hear that grin Once I start You don’t get in I’m the clown bot Take your seat Clap one time Then lose your beat I’m the clown bot Look at me I was made To make you freeze [Outro] One last bow One last cheer I’m still smiling I’m still here