Stage Fright
Paul Butterfield & Rick Danko Lyrics

Now deep in the heart of a lonely kid
At the core of a young person's solitude

Who suffered so much for what he did
Who underwent a great deal of hardship for his actions

They gave this ploughboy his fortune and fame
They bestowed wealth and celebrity status upon this ordinary, rural boy

Since that day he ain't been the same
Ever since then, he has not been his former self

See the man with the stage fright
Observe the individual experiencing an overpowering fear of performing on stage

Just standin' up there to give it all his might
Merely standing up there to give his all

And he got caught in the spotlight
And he became trapped in the attention of the audience

But when we get to the end
But at the conclusion of the performance

He wants to start all over again
He desires to begin anew

I've got fire water right on my breath
I have consumed alcohol, and it is detectable on my breath

And the doctor warned me I might catch a death
And the physician cautioned that I might succumb to illness

Said, you can make it in your disguise
Declared that it is achievable while concealing one's identity

Just never show the fear that's in your eyes
Merely avoid revealing the fear that is obvious in your eyes

Now if he says that he's afraid
Now, if he confesses to feeling apprehensive

Take him at his word
Believe him without reservation

And for the price that the poor boy has paid
And for the cost that the disadvantaged boy has borne

He gets to sing just like a bird, oh, ooh ooh ooh
He is permitted to easily sing, much like a bird

Your brow is sweatin' and your mouth gets dry
Your forehead is moist with perspiration, and your mouth becomes dehydrated

Fancy people go driftin' by
Sophisticated people saunter past

The moment of truth is right at hand
The pivotal moment is immediately forthcoming

Just one more nightmare you can stand
Just one more horrible experience you can bear

You wanna try it once again
You desire to attempt it once more

Please don't make him stop
Please don't impede him

Let him take it from the top
Permit him to begin from the commencement

Let him start all over again
Allow him to start anew