My eyes tell a much different story than my heart

In fact, I was never really me from the start

I'm not free to show people who I really am

But when it comes to what they think about me I don't give a damn

I can smell the judgement that will creep up if I peel back my face

I can see their thoughts, their criticism; it's strong enough to taste

That's when I decide the makeup will stay on

I leave my revelation to when I'm dead and gone

My mask is my protecter, it shields me from the sea of faces

And the laughter as my fragile heart races

But I long to peel the mask back if anyone should ask

But for now I'll seek my refuge behind the mask