Come join our circus where we all wear masks
Lie to our fans and expect it to last
Could it be that the trick is on us?
Masqueradin' like we are the ones
Can you blame us? It started as fun
Didn't know that the game must be won - sorry

Never did I lie, never did I mean to trick y'all
But they told me this is how to get rich, y'all
Makin' hit songs, same lame lyrics, same bass, same kickdrum
Buy the record, you became a vic-vic-victim

Bitch can't front, get what I want
Neck, hands & my wrists numb, sickenin?
Diamonds on my wristband, who I'm talkin' to?
You, you & my biggest fan, thinkin' that ya girl got it all

And I got the best man, best hair, best legs, need a break, you in my face
Askin' K what I'm puttin' out next year
Is it gonna be real freaky, critics wanna come critique me
Are you gonna be more grunge rock-n-roll like back when you dropped before?

But get back 'fore I get ill
Black glove, black mask, listen to some real black love
It's all I have, it's all I have

Come join our circus where we all wear masks
Lie to our fans and expect it to last
Could it be that the trick is on us?
Masqueradin' like we are the ones
Can you blame us? It started as fun
Didn't know that the game must be won - sorry

Musicians, magicians, tight rope, strobe lights
Lion tamers, entertainers, sold out nights
Dressin' rooms, costumes, who's doin' who, gossip, rumors
Groupies just too much, everybody's like, "let's do lunch"

That's why it doesn't matter, that's why I'm not a rapper
Still spit a few bars, might never hear this song
Label might say, "Hell naw! Get a new female star
She don't have to sing - she don't have to bring anything!"

Get her some new earrings, fly her off to Beijing
Book her shows in Wyoming, David Letterman & Conan
Your advance just alone and doesn't it all sound grand?
Number one on SoundScan, just keep the clubs bouncin', join us

Come join our circus where we all wear masks
Lie to our fans and expect it to last
Could it be that the trick is on us?
Masqueradin' like we are the ones
Can you blame us? It started as fun
Didn't know that the game must be won - sorry

How can I shake this circus clown?
What does the ringmaster need from his crowd?
Should I dive through the circle of fire?
No - I'm just gonna be me!

Come join our circus where we all wear masks
Lie to our fans and expect it to last
Could it be that the trick is on us?
Masqueradin' like we are the ones
Can you blame us? It started as fun
Didn't know that the game must be won - sorry

Can you blame us? It started as fun
Didn't know that the game must be won - sorry

Writer : CLAPTON, ERIC PATRICK / JONES, MICK
Copyright : Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., WINDSWEPT HOLDINGS LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group