The wolves wear the wool
Of the sheep the have fooled
And preach their code of conduct:
"You've gotta push that, push that product"
We'll live in fear, for coats they may sheer
The fleecing of a fleeting flock
You may have my wool
You may have my locks
But my voice you have not
My voice you have not
We're sitting ducks, with feathers plucked

You hide your fangs so cleverly dear
You sing your songs so prettily

I'll never fall for the
Hook line and sinker
Your smoke and mirrors
I won't ever take the bait
I'll never fall for those
Formats and figures
Your greedy fingers
Won't ever get their hands on me

Hey boy, you best look out
"Ooh, we'll have you."
Pay mind to those greedy people climbers
They're licking their lips at you
They'll crush and they'll claw
Their way to the top
Your legs are just ladders to them
Your head's just another step man
On you like a rash
On you like a rash

I'll never fall for the
Hook line and sinker
Your smoke and mirrors
I won't ever take the bait
I'll never fall for those
Formats and figures
Your greedy fingers
Won't ever get their hands on me

Even though you hide your fangs so cleverly dear
You sing you songs so prettily dear
Your most gentle call
Your most soothing song won't lead this sheep astray

All these suits with big black lives
Can't put me on the company's dime
I won't be bought
No I won't be sold

All these greasy palms and greedy hands
All my supply all your demand
I'm not you whore
And I won't be your Babylon



Lyrics submitted by Saosin777

Smoke and Mirrors Lyrics as written by

Lyrics © SHENANZHU LLC

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Smoke and Mirrors song meanings
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    General Comment

    Well, replace the word "World" in my interpretation with the word "Music" and its still dead on, The meaning is still the same, just a lot more focused on a single subject and experience. And my pseudo-intellectual brain? Right. You don't even know me so to assume that I'm a pseudo intellectual who is as shallow as a puddle is rather sad. I hope you don't judge all strangers that harshly.

    candykaoson December 14, 2007   Link

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