Verse 1

A painted smile in the candle glow
Rehearsing the steps to a private show
Laughing along with a hollow grin
Playing the part that they keep you in
Bells on your cap with a gentle ring
Waiting on cues from the king and queen

Verse 2

You came to the door with a soft disguise
Feigning a heart behind hollow eyes
Taking notes with a simple stroke
Turning trust into a courtly joke
No mind of your own, not a thing to say
Till they point your finger and lead the way

Chorus

Dance for the King, bow to the Queen
The sweetest little fool that the castle’s seen
No spine to stand, no will to defend
Just shaking your bells and playing the friend
A loyal pet on a velvet string
Trading secrets for anything
Go run your errands and pour their tea
You’re only as free as they let you be

Verse 3

They throw you a crumb from the golden plate
To keep you from looking beyond the gate
You think you’re an ally, you think you belong
'cause they applaud when you sing their song
You carry their malice without a fight
Serving the dark with a smile so bright

Verse 4

You wait for a nod just to swallow your breath
A slip of the tongue means your royal death
Tethered and trapped in the corner you chose
Dancing on pins as the iron doors close
They own your smile, they dictate your place
One minor mistake and you vanish from grace

Bridge

Look at the greasepaint cracking through
They don’t love a jester, they just use you
When the curtain finally falls on the floor
They’ll laugh as they lock you outside the door
Chained to the dust of the palace hall
Trapped forever inside the puppet ball

Chorus

Dance for the King, bow to the Queen
The sweetest little fool that the castle’s seen
No spine to stand, no will to defend
Just shaking your bells and playing the friend
A loyal pet on a velvet string
Trading secrets for anything
Go run your errands and pour their tea
You’re only as free as they let you be

Outro

Shake those bells
Bow on the stage
Wear that obedient smile on your face
A puppet dancing in borrowed space
Never to break the bond of your chains