Ed Harcourt
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?
[Verse 1]
A prophet took my hand on All Souls' Day
He preached the value of deception
Changing shadows by a shape-shifter's rules
Tales are never just for fools
The code of conscience came before me
Presented me with a heavenly angel
He took my hand and asked me, truths aside
To his questions I replied:

[Chorus]
Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
Just close your eyes and make believe
Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
I am happy to deceive you

[Verse 2]
He stood as tall as redwood trees
Drank tea from a seamstress' thimble
I didn't want to speak the honest truth
So I spit out lies that aimed to soothe

[Chorus]
Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
Just close your eyes and make believe
Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
I am happy to deceive you
[Post-Chorus]
Sacred lies and telling tales
I can be who you want me to be
Sacred lies and telling tales
I can be who you want me to be
But do you want me?

[Instrumental break]

[Chorus]
Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
Just close your eyes and make believe
Do you want the truth or something beautiful?
I am happy to deceive you

[Post-Chorus]
Sacred lies and telling tales
I can be who you want me to be
Sacred lies and telling tales
I can be who you want me to be
But do you want me?
But do you want me?