Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?
Paloma Faith Lyrics

Prophet took my hand on all saints day
A charismatic and prophetic figure approached me on All Saints Day and took my hand.

He preached the values of deception
This prophetic figure, interestingly, spoke about the importance and effectiveness of deception and misleading.

Changing shadows by a shapeshifter rules
The rules around altering one's appearance and identity are subject to constant change, governed by those who can adapt and change themselves most fluidly.

Tales are never just for fools
Stories and fables are not just meant for those who are foolish, but can have deeper meanings and lessons for all who listen.

The court of conscience came before me
My own conscience weighed heavily on me and manifested in front of me like a courtroom scene.

Presenting me with a heavenly angel
The court of my conscience presented me with an idealized and pure vision of an angelic figure.

You took my hand and ask me, truth aside
You took my hand and posed a question to me, asking me to set aside any concern for truth or honesty.

To his questions I replied
In response, I provided answers to your inquiries.

Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
Is it honesty you truly desire, or simply a lovely and pleasing facade?

Just close your eyes and make believe
If it is the latter you seek, then simply close your eyes and imagine it to be so.

I am happy to deceive you
I am more than willing to provide you with falsehoods and misdirection if that is what you desire.

He stood as tall as redwood trees
This figure who advocated for deception felt as imposing and formidable as towering redwood trees.

Drank tea from a seamstress thimble
He did not require much in the way of sustenance or comfort, and drank tea from a tiny thimble typically used by sewers and tailors.

Didn't want to speak, the honest truth
I was reluctant to speak truthfully and candidly, knowing that it might not align with what my company desired to hear.

So I spit out lies that aimed to soothe
Instead, I chose to lie and say things that I believed would pacify or please the individuals with whom I was conversing.

Secrets, lying, falling veils
There is a sense of secrecy and hidden truth underlying everything, with falsehoods and misleading serving as a shroud that obscures reality.

I can be who you want me to be
I am capable of becoming whoever or whatever my company needs or desires me to be.

Sacred lies in, telling tales
In some sense, there is a sacredness or artistry in telling convincing and persuasive lies and stories.

But do you want me?
Despite my willingness to be whoever you need me to be, the question remains: is that what you truly want, or something else entirely?