“Places, folks. Lead, let’s tighten that entrance, please. And the second… stay offstage for now, standby position.” “The second…?” “Right. Of course… “ “The understudy… Always off to the side. Fine.” He calls me “second,” doesn’t even say my name. Just a nod toward the wings while he circles her fame. I’ve kept this whole thing running, but it’s always the same… he only sees her, never shifting his aim. Always behind. Always unseen. Always the afterthought in somebody’s dream. They don’t see me now, Can’t understand how… but- I’m second to none, No, I won’t bow down, Call me the standby but I stand my ground, The spotlight is calling I’m coming on strong, You’ll remember my name Yeah,, I’m second to none. (Second to none… ) I can pull a whole scene back with just one steady glance. Shift the room in a heartbeat if the moment needs stance. I can carry the silence like it’s part of the dance… but nobody looks long enough to catch the chance. Always behind. Always unseen. Always the afterthought in somebody’s dream. They don’t see me now, Can’t understand how… but- I’m second to none, No, I won’t bow down, Call me the standby but I stand my ground, The spotlight is calling I’m coming on strong, You’ll remember my name Yeah, I’m second to none. (Coming on strong… ) Oh, I won’t go back- to that small-town life, that small-time drive, to a world where no one asked for more because more never came. No- I won’t go back. I’m meant for more. Yeah… THIS is my chance!! (My chance… ) Yeah, I’m second to none, No, I won’t bow down, Call me the standby but I stand my ground, The spotlight is calling I’m coming on strong, You’ll remember my name Oh-oh, I’m second to none. (Second to none… ) And I’m done waiting in the background - This is my chance! Yeah, watch me rise Watch me climb Every beat Every breath… This moment is MINE! Oh, I’m the name on their lips, I’m the one that they want! Yeah, hear the crowd when they say it: Oh-oh, I’m second to none! (Second to none ) Oh, I’m second to none! I’m second to none…
