Happiest Pretenders
Clare Maguire Lyrics

He licks the paper turns the page
He reads and memorizes the written word with an intense desire to understand it better.

He writes the spoken word again
He transcribes from memory the words he hears repeatedly in his mind, hoping to find new insights.

Releases pools of untrapped blood
He allows his deepest emotions to flow freely, unblocking years of repression and hidden feelings.

To camouflage what’s understood
He masks his true thoughts and feelings so others won't see his vulnerability and fragility.

Wrapped up in a golden throne
He feels safe and protected in a world of luxury and privilege, but he knows it's a temporary illusion.

He undresses overloads
He gets rid of his false identities and masks that shield him from his innermost self, realizing that it's a painful and liberating experience.

Walks quietly to a distant place
He walks away from the noisy and chaotic world into a quiet space where he can reflect and find peace.

Honest lies in washed out grace
He tells the truth but in a way that won't hurt others or himself, maintaining a sense of dignity and grace.

We are the happiest pretenders
We pretend to be happy and satisfied with our lives, despite feeling empty and unfulfilled inside.

Dressed down towards the Tyne
He dresses down and goes towards the river Tyne, seeking solace and inspiration from nature.

He chases evening’s wonder whys
He wonders about the mysteries of life, chasing the aspirations and dreams that keep him going.

Then misses hours time again
He loses track of time, getting lost in his own thoughts and imaginings.

Sweeps him underneath its wings
Time envelops him, takes him under its caring wings, and leads him to new destinations.

And if they try to catch us out
If others try to expose our true selves and intentions,

We’ll chase them down
We will resist, fight back, and defend ourselves against their accusations and judgments.

Cause we are the happiest pretenders
We keep pretending to be happy, despite the challenges and setbacks we face, knowing that it's our only way to survive.

He wipes the crystal from his eyes
He clears his vision and gains clarity so he can see reality without any distortions or illusions.

He hits the lights and leaves them dry
He switches off the bright lights that blind him from his true self and the world around him, leaving him in the dark, but wiser.

Undoes tomorrows unknown will
He frees himself from the worries and fears about tomorrow, embracing the unknown with curiosity and openness.

Let's it slide
He stops resisting and fighting what he cannot control, allowing it to flow and pass by naturally.

Tastes the thrill
He experiences the pleasures and joys of life, even if they are temporary and fleeting, knowing that they make life worth living.