false advertising

on a string, on a string, on a string
i was held
the way i move, can you tell
my actions are orchestrated from above

so i swing and i sway
wave my hand, kick my legs
and it’s always right with the music 
(till all that’s swaying starts to make you sick)

for a song i was bought
now i lie when i talk
with a careful eye on the cue cards

onto a stage i was pushed
with my sorrow well rehearsed
so give me all your pity and your money now, all of it
(we used to think that sound was something pure)

but if i could act like this was my real life and not some cage where i’ve been placed
then i could tell you the truth like i used to and not be afraid of sounding fake
now all anyone’s listening for are the mistakes

in a house by myself i hear the ice start to melt
and i watch the rooftops weep for the sunlight
and i know what must change
fuck my face, fuck my name
they are brief and false advertisements

for a soul i don’t have, something true i have lacked
and spent my whole life trying to make up for
but i found in a song and in the people i love
they will lift me up out of darkness

and now my door, it stands open
i’m inviting everyone in
we’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna drink until the morning comes
that’s what we’re gonna do