Theodora

[Verse 1] I was born backstage Not in silk Candles Greasepaint Whispered names Coins on the floorboards Eyes in the dark Jug of cheap wine Cracked clay cup I learned to bow To laugh To kneel Men at the front row Calling Calling I wore my hunger like a jewel Held my shame between my teeth Chewed it into armor Spat it at their feet [Chorus] I am Theodora Write it in gold From gutter water to imperial robes You think you know me You only know my throne I am Theodora Beloved Reviled Saint to the broken Scandal to the mild I crossed that sea of whispers And I did not drown [Verse 2] Blues of the Bosporus Dawn smoke thin I walked its edge with naked feet Priests looked past me Beggars did not A dance in Alexandria Dust in my lungs Visions in the incense heat I saw a kingdom Built on girls like me Then you Justinian Scholar eyes Saw a story I saw a door They said I shamed your purple I made it fit my form [Chorus] I am Theodora Write it in gold From gutter water to imperial robes You think you know me You only know my throne I am Theodora Beloved Reviled Saint to the broken Scandal to the mild I crossed that sea of whispers And I did not drown [Bridge] They came with knives of flawless law Pretty words Polite decrees But I remembered girls in alleys Bought and sold like grain I signed my name beneath their wounds Ink and blood Decree and tear If I was risen for a reason Let it be right here (oh) [Chorus] I am Theodora Carve it in stone From stained bare feet to a jasper dome You think you judge me You never left your home I am Theodora Fierce and afraid I stayed in purple till the grave Better the crown of danger Than a life laid down [Outro] Write what you want in your books of men I speak to the women Who will never be named I was Theodora Remember my flame