[Verse 1] They pull the strings (pull the strings) Hidden kings Unseen things Whispers loud In the dark Silent moves Leave a mark Cameras flash Faces smile But the truth? It's been exiled [Chorus] Shadow strings They control (ooh-yeah!) Every actor plays a role Behind the screen They design Illusions made to blind your mind Shadow strings They control Every actor plays a role [Verse 2] Golden statues Fame's disguise Puppet masters Cut the ties Violin screams Bassline thumps Secrets buried Bodies dumped Behind the glass A watchful eye Who's the player? Who's the spy? [Prechorus] Dark rooms (dark rooms) Plans collide Contracts signed The truth denied [Chorus] Shadow strings They control Every actor plays a role Behind the screen They design Illusions made to blind your mind Shadow strings They control (ooh!) Every actor plays a role [Bridge] Who’s the face? Who’s the mask? Truth is buried in the past Golden thrones Broken dreams Silent cries Muffled screams Control the world Behind the scenes Nothing’s ever what it seems