Under the Greasepaint

Lyrics

[Intro]
Step right up.

[Verse 1]
You draw the corners way up high
A crimson crescent near the eye
It takes a heavy hand to hide the sweat.
I watch you setting up the joke
A velvet collar, little smoke
I'm waiting for the punchline, holding breath.
There's something in the drawn-on, tragic tear
That leaves me caught between desire and fear.

[Chorus]
Under the greasepaint, what’s the game?
A painted laugh, a whispered phrase
I crave the act, I dread the trick
The crimson mouth so cherry-thick.
Are we playing in the center ring tonight?
Or are you waiting in the dark to cause a fright?
The thrill is in the heavy white.

[Verse 2]
You left a smudge of setting dust
Along the velvet, just a touch
It's 3:14 AM, the tent is dark.
A rubber flower on the chest
I never know which face is best
You cast a massive shadow in the yard.
I reach to wipe the powder from your cheek
And suddenly my knees are going weak.

[Chorus]
Under the greasepaint, what’s the game?
A painted laugh, a whispered phrase
I crave the act, I dread the trick
The crimson mouth so cherry-thick.
Are we playing in the center ring tonight?
Or are you waiting in the dark to cause a fright?
The thrill is in the heavy white.

[Bridge]
You honk the horn, I feel a chill
It’s such a complicated pull.
Because a face that never frowns
Could burn an entire city down.
The balloon is twisted into something strange
I want the danger... of the sudden costume change.

[Chorus]
Under the greasepaint, what’s the game?
A painted laugh, a whispered phrase
I crave the act, I dread the trick
The crimson mouth so cherry-thick.
Are we playing in the center ring tonight?
Or are you waiting in the dark to cause a fright?
The thrill is in the heavy white.

[Outro]
Wipe it off.
Or leave it on.
The red smile in the shadows.
Big shoes to fill.
Just don't make me laugh.