[Intro — spoken, over a single piano note] Places, everybody. No, I haven’t seen the script. That’s never stopped anybody before. [Verse 1] There’s a woman at the table With a proposition and a smile Says, “We’re building something beautiful, Just need your help a little while.” I can see the whole production All the scenery, the lights And the version of me who used to say, “Of course. I’ll stay all night.” But there’s a funny little feeling Like a melody I’ve heard And somewhere in the orchestra I recognize the words. [Pre-Chorus] Oh, I know this scene I know where it goes I’ve sung the second verse before And changed the way it closes. [Chorus] I know my lines I know my cues I can love the whole production Without giving it my shoes. I can wish you every wonder I can cheer you from the side But if there’s no room for me here I don’t have to step inside. I know my lines And this one’s mine: “I’d love to hear the offer. What’s the budget? What’s the timeline?” [Verse 2] There’s a man who’s disappointed That I won’t rearrange my day And my mouth begins its old routine: “I’m sorry, I can stay—” But the violins go silent And the spotlight finds my face I remember there’s a sentence That can stand without a case. “I’m not available this evening.” Then I let the silence sit. No defendant, no confession No elaborate exhibit. [Pre-Chorus] And my heart is doing cartwheels Like I’ve broken some decree But the ceiling doesn’t crumble When somebody disagrees with me. [Chorus] I know my lines I know my cues I can care about your feelings Without making them my dues. I can hear your disappointment I can let you have your say But your feelings aren’t a summons And my answer gets to stay. I know my lines And this one’s mine: “I understand you’re disappointed. I’m still not changing my mind.” [Bridge — theatrical, building] Now somebody brings me flowers And I reach to pay the bill Somebody says, “You earned this.” And my hands go strangely still. There’s no invoice in the bouquet No assignment in the praise No hidden work I’m obligated To perform for seven days. And I almost say, “You shouldn’t—” Almost ask what I can do But the music catches gently And I try a line that’s new: [Softly] “Thank you.” [Pause] That’s the whole line. [Instrumental break — bassoon and pizzicato strings playfully trade the melody] [Verse 3] Then the curtain rises early On a scene I didn’t plan And there’s someone at the doorway With an opportunity in hand. Says, “We’ve heard about your work And we’d like to bring you in.” And I feel that old temptation To be grateful just to win. But I don’t perform amazement I don’t offer them my soul I say, “Tell me what you’re building, And exactly what’s my role?” [Final Chorus — triumphant, full orchestra] I know my lines I know my cues I can walk into the future Without begging to be used. I can ask for what I wanted I can name what I require I don’t need to burn myself down Just to prove that I have fire. I know my lines And they’re changing all the time Not because the world got kinder But because I learned to write mine. [Outro — spoken, orchestra drops out] “Are you sure?” Yes. “But what if we really need you?” Then we should discuss compensation. “And if we can’t afford you?” Then I hope you find another way. [Pause] “You’re different.” [Smiling] I’ve been practicing. [Final piano chord]
