Circus
KELIS Lyrics

Come join our circus where we all wear masks
Kelis invites the listener to join the music industry, where everyone puts on a façade.

Lie to our fans and expect it to last
Artists deceive their fans and believe that the deception will never be exposed.

Could it be that the trick is on us?
The artists are tricked into believing that they have control over their careers but are manipulated by the music industry.

Masqueradin' like we are the ones
The artists pretend to be in control of their lives and careers when in reality they are being controlled by the industry.

Can you blame us? It started as fun
Kelis questions whether the artists should be blamed for the deception since it initially started as a fun and enjoyable experience.

Didn't know that the game must be won - sorry
The artists did not initially realize that the music industry is a game that needs to be won, leading to regret for their decisions.

Never did I lie, never did I mean to trick y'all
Kelis defends herself by saying that she never lied or intended to deceive her fans.

But they told me this is how to get rich, y'all
The music industry told Kelis that lying and deceiving was the way to make money and become successful.

Makin' hit songs, same lame lyrics, same bass, same kickdrum
Kelis criticizes the music industry for producing generic songs with repetitive lyrics and simplistic instrumentals.

Bitch can't front, get what I want
Kelis asserts that she gets what she wants and cannot be fooled or controlled.

Diamonds on my wristband, who I'm talkin' to?
Kelis questions the authenticity of her relationships in the industry, as people only seem to be interested in her because of her fame and wealth.

You, you & my biggest fan, thinkin' that ya girl got it all
Kelis addresses her fans, who assume that she has everything in life because of her celebrity status.

And I got the best man, best hair, best legs, need a break, you in my face
Kelis is tired of the constant demands and expectations from fans and the industry while also trying to maintain an ideal public image.

Askin' K what I'm puttin' out next year
Kelis is constantly being asked about her future music releases and direction by the industry.

Is it gonna be real freaky, critics wanna come critique me
The critics and media are waiting for Kelis to release new, controversial music that they can criticize and generate publicity for themselves.

Are you gonna be more grunge rock-n-roll like back when you dropped before?
The industry wants Kelis to create a new, trend-setting style of music but is also nostalgic for her past work.

But get back 'fore I get ill
Kelis commands others to back away before she becomes angry or overwhelmed by their expectations.

Black glove, black mask, listen to some real black love
Kelis wears a black glove and mask as a symbol of her desire for privacy and to focus on genuine black culture and emotions in her music.

Musicians, magicians, tight rope, strobe lights
Kelis lists various performers and performances that are part of the circus that is the music industry.

Lion tamers, entertainers, sold out nights
Kelis highlights the success and popularity of the industry and its performers despite their deception and lack of authenticity.

Dressin' rooms, costumes, who's doin' who, gossip, rumors
Kelis describes the behind-the-scenes drama and social interactions that occur in the industry.

Groupies just too much, everybody's like, "let's do lunch"
Kelis talks about people who try to get close to artists because of their fame and wealth, often leading to pleasantries such as going out for lunch.

That's why it doesn't matter, that's why I'm not a rapper
Kelis shares her apathy towards the music industry and her decision to not be limited to one specific genre of music.

Still spit a few bars, might never hear this song
Kelis asserts that she still creates music on her own terms, regardless of whether or not it becomes popular or recognized.

Label might say, "Hell naw! Get a new female star
The industry may reject Kelis's music and decide to pursue another female artist who conforms to their conception of success.

She don't have to sing - she don't have to bring anything!"
Kelis critiques the industry for promoting artists who do not have to sing well or contribute to their artistic work, merely fitting superficial standards of beauty and marketability.

Get her some new earrings, fly her off to Beijing
Kelis implies that the music industry invests more in an artist's appearance and image than their music or talent, sending them around the world for publicity opportunities.

Book her shows in Wyoming, David Letterman & Conan
Kelis describes how the music industry books shows for artists based on arbitrary locations and events in order to maintain their careers.

Your advance just alone and doesn't it all sound grand?
Kelis sarcastically points out how the industry promotes financial success, such as giving artists large amounts of money in advance, as an ideal fulfillment of life.

Number one on SoundScan, just keep the clubs bouncin', join us
Kelis explains how the music industry is driven by charts and sales numbers and seeks to create music that keeps people dancing, urging others to join her in this cycle.

How can I shake this circus clown?
Kelis asks how she can remove herself from the music industry and its manipulative, surface-level expectations.

What does the ringmaster need from his crowd?
Kelis questions the role of those who control and benefit from the industry and the exact desires and expectations they have for their audience.

Should I dive through the circle of fire?
Kelis considers whether or not to take risks and make bold choices in her career for the sake of financial success and public attention.

No - I'm just gonna be me!
Kelis ultimately decides to be true to herself and create music that reflects her own experiences and identity instead of catering to the demands of the industry and its consumers.