(Verse 1) The gold star’s pinned before I even wake A pre-emptive prize for the breath I’m 'bout to take The bed is made, the lines are pulled so tight Another day to keep the shadows out of sight I check the mirror for a hair out of place She’s standing in the doorway, reading my face Not a word is said, but the silence is a weight "Good" is just a synonym for "starting too late." (Chorus) And the bar keeps rising ‘til it touches the sun I’m breathless and running, but I’ve already won Still, she’s pointing to a mountain I haven’t climbed yet Tracing my failures in the beads of my sweat It’s a polished veneer, it’s a porcelain grin While the cracks are all widening deep under my skin The cost of the crown is a heart turned to stone I’m perfect for everyone, but alone. (Verse 2) Ninety-nine percent is a mark of disgrace I see the disappointment written on her face "You’re capable of more," is the weapon she wields While I’m struggling in the battlefield fields Of textbooks and trophies and rehearsed etiquette A debt to her pride that I haven’t paid yet I want to be messy, I want to be wrong But I’ve been singing her anthem for way too long. (Bridge) Does she see the girl behind the straight-A grades? Or just the reflection of a glory that fades? If I tripped on the wire, if I fell on my knees Would she pick up the pieces, or just say "Higher, please"? The pressure’s a furnace, it’s turning me bright But I’m burning just to give her the light. (Guitar Solo - Melancholy and distorted) (Chorus) Yeah, the bar keeps rising ‘til it touches the sun I’m breathless and running, but I’ve already won Still, she’s pointing to a mountain I haven’t climbed yet Tracing my failures in the beads of my sweat It’s a polished veneer, it’s a porcelain grin While the cracks are all widening deep under my skin The cost of the crown is a heart turned to stone I’m perfect for everyone, but alone. (Outro) Perfectly hollow. Perfectly blue. I did it for her. Now I don't know who... I am. (Fade out on a single, sharp violin note)
