[Verse 1: Matthew Phillips] Spend far too much of my time Perfecting this glamorous lie The truth is I'm terrified My words aren't more than fey hyperbole My grand deceit now engulfs me I've lost that boy I used to be [Chorus: Matthew Phillips] If I'm such a wit and such a scream If I ignite hearts and inflame dreams Then why, oh why, do i fail to succeed? I'm just a jumped-up boy in livery [Verse 2: Matthew Phillips] The mask's worn as thin as my garb And it blisters and scars It's the burden that you never see Superficiality never meant that much to me You said that I'm a poet, you said I'd surely make it Damn my vanity, your flattery
[Chorus: Matthew Phillips] If I'm such a wit and such a scream If I ignite hearts and inflame dreams Then why, oh why, do i fail to succeed? I'm just a jumped-up boy in livery [Pre-Chorus: Matthew Phillips] The reality's much more mundane I draw my words from books and tapes Steal melodies of songs I sing My tapestry of rotten things I don't want your pity or your scorn Just plain indifference will keep me warm [Chorus: Matthew Phillips] If I'm such a wit and such a scream If I ignite hearts and inflame dreams Then why, oh why, do i fail to succeed? I'm just a jumped-up boy in livery