Welcome
Christina Aguilera [Baby Jane] Lyrics
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Welcome to the greatest show
Greatest show on earth
You've never seen before
Here, the fairytale unfolds
What's behind the smoke and glass?
Are you selling them your soul?
Well, you'll be left out in the cold
Is it all blue skies
Fun and games until you fall?
Then you're left without anyone at all
You're riding on a shooting star
With a smile upon your face
But soon the shine fades
And you're left out all alone
Wondering where did they all go?
Oh
Been jaded, hated
Who'll be around when the limelight's faded?
Been shut down, pushed out
Made to smile when I wanted to frown
Always taking a bow
Always working the crowd
Always making new grounds
Always playing the clown
Who'll be sticking it out?
Who'll be staying around
When the lights go down?
In "Welcome," Christina Aguilera presents a critique of the entertainment industry's superficiality and exploitation. The song is an invitation to the so-called "greatest show on earth," but the atmosphere is one of uncertainty and unease, with painted faces and hidden motives. The fairytale that is unfolding is not one of innocence and wonder but rather one of power and control. The lyrics are a commentary on the high stakes of fame and fortune in a world where performers are more often than not reduced to mere commodities to sell.
Aguilera questions whether "selling your soul" to the entertainment industry is worth the price one has to pay for it. The lyrics also convey the transience of fame and the loneliness that comes after the "shine fades." Aguilera sings about being "jaded" and "hated" by the very industry that elevated her to stardom. She openly wonders who'll still be around when the limelight's faded, reflecting the reality many celebrities face. Despite the dark themes, the song ends with a sense of hope and an invitation to those brave enough to stick around when the lights go down.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the greatest show
Get ready for an amazing spectacle
Greatest show on earth
This is the premiere entertainment experience
You've never seen before
You'll witness something completely new
Here, the fairytale unfolds
Prepare to watch an enchanting story play out
What's behind the smoke and glass?
What's really going on here?
Painted faces, everybody wears a mask
People are hiding their true selves
Are you selling them your soul?
Are you sacrificing your integrity for fame?
Well, you'll be left out in the cold
If you make that choice, you'll be alone in the end
Is it all blue skies
Is everything always perfect?
Fun and games until you fall?
Is it all fun and games until something goes wrong?
Then you're left without anyone at all
When things go wrong, you might find yourself alone
You're riding on a shooting star
You're experiencing something extraordinary
With a smile upon your face
You're enjoying the moment
But soon the shine fades
The excitement won't last forever
And you're left out all alone
Eventually, you may find yourself by yourself
Wondering where did they all go?
Where did everyone disappear to?
Been jaded, hated
I've been disillusioned and disliked
Who'll be around when the limelight's faded?
Who will still be there when my fame is gone?
Been shut down, pushed out
I've been rejected and forced out
Made to smile when I wanted to frown
I was expected to be happy when I wasn't
Always taking a bow
I'm constantly acknowledging the applause
Always working the crowd
I'm always engaging with my fans
Always making new grounds
I'm always exploring new opportunities
Always playing the clown
I'm always entertaining and making people laugh
Who'll be sticking it out?
Who will endure the hardships?
Who'll be staying around
Who will remain when things get tough?
When the lights go down?
When the show is over?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTINA AGUILERA, MARK RONSON, LINDA PERRY, PAUL ILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind