[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
Have I thanked you for your time
Or will your life go unrewarded again?
Never asking for a dime
You just gave all of yourself
Until I turned my back on you, my friend

The powers that be made you a martyr
Conspiracy led you to slaughter
I tried to control it but as soon as I showed it
I was shot down again

Once again outnumbered
Appreciation slumbered
You can ask yourself why
But that look in your eye

Doesn't pass the test
You've been laid to rest, my friend
Again

Tortured artist bears his soul
Seems the pressure took its toll
Lived a life so punishing
Now he keeps the publishing
Spilling your guts out to a pad and pen
Communication to your silent friend

[Chorus]
Raising the knife
To a picture of a life (I once knew)
There comes a time
Compromising my life (Just won't do)
I cannot lie
I can't try anymore (To reach you)
I just can't fight
Raise the knife
Raise the knife
Cut through

[Verse 2]
I remember once you were the quiet type
Content to sit and watch the motions of your life
With false sensitivity
You cut yourself open so people would adore you

They all bought into your contrived sincerity
And how you wore your heart and soul right on your sleeve
Laughing sarcastically
You turned your back on the people who adored you
Self-absorbed exhaustion
Self-esteem distortion
Self-infused extortion
Self-serving abortion

I'll take the blame for these things that I say
Cause i had the heart and the will and the courage to stay
Every day
I won't walk away

Reading through all the digests you show me
I notice the way that you think you control me
Doubting my future, you don't even know me
But I never walked out on you

[Chorus]
Raising the knife
To a picture of a life (I once knew)
There comes a time
Compromising my life (Just won't do)
I cannot lie
I can't try anymore (To reach you)
I just can't fight
Raise the knife
Raise the knife
Cut through
[Instrumental break]

[Chorus]
Raising the knife
To a picture of a life (I once knew)
There comes a time
Compromising my life (Just won't do)
I cannot lie
I can't try anymore (To reach you)
I just can't fight
Raise the knife
And live my life without you

[Outro]
Raising the knife
To a picture of a life
There comes a time
Compromising my life
I cannot lie
I can't try anymore
I just can't fight
Raise the knife
Raise the knife
Raise the knife
Raise the knife...