SINGER: Thursday

SONG:M. Shepard

The stage is set to rip the wings from a butterfly
(the stage is set)
the stage is set don't forget to breathe
(between the lines)
if the whole world dies, then it's safe to take the stage
these graves will stretch like landing strips--
hospitals: all dead museums
we won't have to be afraid anymore
the crowd is growing silent with the gathering storm
when the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
just trying to keep up the act
we'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
joining the procession of emptiness
if we say these words it will be too late to take them back
so we hold our breath and fold our hands
like paper airplanes
(and we're going to crash)
we don't have to be alone
(we don't have to be alone)
ever again
there's a riot in the theater, someone's standing in the aisles
(yelling that the nurderers)
are everywhere and they're lining up
(carving the 'm' in your side)
stand alone
(this time)
when the curtain falls and you're caught on the other side
just trying to keep up the act
we'll lie in the back of black cars with the windows rolled up
joining the procession of emptiness
the stage is set to rip the wings from the butterfly
pull the curtain back
kill all the houselights
pin the dress of lotus flowers
the silk is psinning round and around with the ceiling fan
i'm disappearing into the spotlight
i'm on display with the butterfly with smiles
with smiles like picket fences you tie us all up and leave us outside
"that voice is silent now, the boat has sunk..."
we're on our own but we're not going to run