The Small Red Sign

[Verse 1] You pin your hair with a silver clip Red paper star by your left eye The dressing room clock has a crooked hand You check your face, then check it twice [Pre-Chorus] You say, “Don’t ask me what it means” You smooth the seam and count to three [Chorus] Look straight ahead, keep your mouth still A little mark and a practiced will You take the frame, you take the name And leave the room exactly the same [Verse 2] A cracked compact on the basin edge One thumbprint crossing the glass You wipe it clean with the cuff of your sleeve Then watch the red shape come back [Pre-Chorus] You say, “The light is much too warm” You turn your cheek and hold the pose [Chorus] Look straight ahead, keep your mouth still A little mark and a practiced will You take the frame, you take the name And leave the room exactly the same [Bridge] When they call you, let them wait One slow breath, a level gaze No confession, no reply Just the small red sign beside your eye [Final Chorus] Look straight ahead, keep your mouth still A little mark and a practiced will You take the frame, you take the name And leave the room exactly the same [Outro] You leave the clip beside the sink The clock keeps losing time