Hiding behind a mask
Existing only behind a curtain
Complete with smoke and mirrors
Don't we all?
Trying to be perfect
Trying not to fall
The world pressures us
Tries to pull us in every direction
You have to be perfect
If you want to succeed
You have to be the best
Even if it isn't who you really are

Hiding behind a mask
Is this really me?
I try to be happy
Behind a smile is where I hide
When all I'm really doing is dying inside
You think you're stressed now?
Wait till you're older
At least that’s what they all say
I won’t let it get to me
Nothing will stand in my way
At least that’s what I tell myself
Sometimes I just want to escape
Is that so much to ask?
Just running, running, gone

Taking off the mask
I want to be who I really am
But do I even know her?
I’ve worn it for so long
Do I know myself without it?
Will I still be accepted by the world,
If I don't simply act?
I shouldn't care
It shouldn't matter what they think
But without other's approval
Where would I be?
Would I still be loved?
Accepted?
Known?
I wonder...

If I removed the mask,
who would still know me?
What number of people in this world
know me for who I really am?
Does anybody?
Do I?
When I remove the mask
When the curtains are pulled
What will remain of me?
What kind of a shell will there still be?