I know I meant to show them all, I've gotten over you
When all the lights were out and I was all alone
That not a single soul could tell that I was lying
Till they believed it more than even I
That not a single soul could tell that I was lying
That not a single soul could tell that I was lying
And though I saw the unbelieving looks on all their faces
You would have seen this actress crying
So I, who had me dance, dance through the night, just like the gypsy
Tonight, I gave the greatest performance of my life
But love, if you had been behind the curtain, when it fell
But love, if you had been behind the curtain, when it fell
And so, though it was hard to face our friends, I gave a party
Who hadn't laughed since God knows when, out laughed Pagliacci
I had to try to make them think that it was true
Yes, tonight, I gave the greatest performance of my life
I never lost control, I played the part so well
I never lost control, I played the part so well
When all the lights were out and I was all alone
And I who seldom drink, drank like a fish till I was high, and I
