[Verse 1 — restrained, sarcastic] Keep your dollar-store ribbon Keep your plastic crown of gold You can tell yourself you’re winning If that’s the story you’ve been sold You handed me a microphone Said, “Go ahead and make your case” But you put fingers in your ears And laughed right in my face [Pre-Chorus — building] I don’t need your validation I don’t need your sympathy If your version of a winner Means becoming what I see I can take another loss For the words that I spoke But when you don’t give me a chance… [Chorus — explosive] You think this is a joke But I’m tired of being the punchline You think this is a game While I stood beneath the spotlight You can give me a look You can make a critique But then hide behind the shadows And you make me feel weak I don’t need your approval So get out of my mind You think this is a joke But I’m tired of being the punchline [Interlude] Cause I’m not laughing… [Verse 2 — rhythmic, biting] Your distorted democracy Is five kids in a clique Everybody gets a ballot But the verdict’s already picked You can stack the deck for nothing You can sell your soul for cheap Trade a little humility For a prize you couldn’t keep [Pre-Chorus — building] I don’t need your validation I don’t need your sympathy If your version of a winner Means becoming what I see I can take another loss For the words that I spoke But when you don’t give me a chance… [Chorus — explosive] You think this is a joke But I’m tired of being the punchline You think this is a game While I stood beneath the spotlight You can give me a look You can make a critique But then hide behind the shadows And you make me feel weak I don’t need your approval So get out of my mind You think this is a joke But I’m tired of being the punchline [Bridge — stripped down, gospel intensity] Keep your ribbon Keep your prize Hope it was worth it When your sincerity dies Keep your little kingdom And the bridges you burned YOU CAN KEEP THE LAST LAUGH BUT YOU DON’T GET THE LAST WORD! [Chorus — explosive] You think this is a joke But I’m tired of being the punchline You think this is a game While I stood beneath the spotlight You can give me a look You can make a critique But then hide behind the shadows And you make me feel weak I don’t need your approval So get out of my mind You think this is a joke But I’m tired of being the punchline
