[Verse 1]
I can feel it in the air, I can feel it young and strong
Like an intoxicating dare (like an intoxicating dare)
For some residue of joy, simple pleasures and delights
Would you buy that ruthless ploy, would you buy that ploy?

Mark my words, it's not quite what you thought

[Chorus]
Shadow play
Directed by you
Love portrays Ms. Take
The Oscar goes to Hate
Dragons slain
The princess rescued
It's all what you create
Your shadows will be played

[Verse 2]
And here now comes the sweet caress, unreality to guide us
With a forceful righteousness (with a forceful righteousness)
And you can taste the kiss of death, more divine than breath I know
Always just the right address, just the right caress

Mark my words, it's not quite what you thought
[Chorus]
Shadow play
Directed by you
Love portrays Ms. Take
The Oscar goes to Hate
Dragons slain
The princess rescued
It's all what you create
Your shadows will be played

[Verse 3]
So this is what you think you need to play the game
A pretty royal flush of second hand fame
For proof of excellence, for critical acclaim
Aloof preeminence preceding your pen name
Clichés of violence and off mark blame
Some character flaws to masticate the shame
Sex in a dress in a wide array
Sex in a suit, hello, happy birthday

Mark my words, it's never what you thought

[Chorus]
Shadow play
Directed by you
Love portrays Ms. Take
The Oscar goes to Hate
Dragons slain
The princess rescued
It's all what you create
Your shadows will be played
It's all what you create
Your shadows will be played