The make-up hides my pain so good

I masquerade my smile

The tears of this clown have all dried up

If only for a while

An act to entertain you

I am your ringside toy

You are lion tamer

Whipping me for joy

I dance the jolly jig for you

A prisoner, your daily muse

Yet underneath the painted face

Spent up anger lights my fuse

Suddenly I’m free from you

The enlarged shoes are of my feet

Now I fly on my trapeze

The air it feels so sweet

I enjoy the air as it rushes past my head

But I will soon come crashing down

You shoot the cannon to my head

Life is just a circus

I am the painted man

One day I will be free from this

Once I have the master plan