[Intro – Spoken Word Over Minimal Guitar & Strings] [Low voice, poetic tone] I didn’t see them for who they were… Just saw my past in their eyes. Thought I was protectin’ myself… But I was projectin’ my pain. Now I see clearer through the smoke... and mirrors. [Chorus – Sung Female Vocals] Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) It’s just me on the other side Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) Sweet darlin', I apologize Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) I was blind, now I see the lies I swear I'm done with this disguise [Verse 1 – Rap] I used to flinch when I felt love; thought it came with chains. All the girls I loved bounced on me, now I mirror pain. Crossfire of women and wounds I never dressed. So I put the blame on them for the mess out my flesh. Said, You cold--- said I'm just cautious, Deep inside though--- a motherfucka' toxic, Guilt is a faucet, silence was the logic. My niccas take heed, we the fuckin' problem, Projectin’ every deed--- done to me in the game. Like I ain't bleed--- them same sins in a dame. Ain’t proud of it--- but real enough to face that frame Heartbreak my biggest mirror, guess I gotta face the shame [Chorus – Sung Female Vocals] Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) It’s just me on the other side Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) Sweet darlin', I apologize Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) I was blind, now I see the lies I swear I'm done with this disguise [Verse 2 – Rap: Confession + Resolution] I read The Four Agreements and I had to break a pact. With the version of myself that kept bringin’ cycles back. Shadow work had me cryin’ in the dark at dawn. Talkin’ to a younger me, tryna right all them wrongs. Bipolar with my mama, now I see the scars. That I carved into queens who ain’t caused all them wars. Now I'm sittin' with the silence, peace ain’t passive. Owning all my patterns ‘fore I pass 'em like habits. Love strike again, she gon’ meet a man refined. Who don’t point no fingers, knows his own mind. Ain’t no shame in the fall, long as I do climb. God, let me be alone if I'm dimmin’ someone shine. [Bridge – Female Vocal, Soft Harmony] Ooh---- all the pain you tried to hide. Still showed up in every fight, But if you’re changing now inside... Ooh---- growth gon’ turn those lows to light And make you worthy when it’s time Then maybe love gon' find you right [Final Chorus – Full Emotion, Layered Harmonies] Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) It’s just me on the other side Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) Sweet darlin', I apologize Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) I was blind, now I see the lies I swear I'm done with this disguise Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) It’s just me on the other side. Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) Sweet darlin', I apologize. Smoke and mirrors (smoke and mirrors) A broken man who tried to rise. I vow to love with open eyes [Outro – Spoken Word or Whispered Reflection] No illusions. Just growth. And grace.
