It took a crowd to show me
I needed your attention.  
Suddenly sharing the reaches of your spotlight
I realized that I could not be on the periphery.  
Your composed approval: a nod
– performer code for high praise –
left me unwaveringly intent on more.
Sure, I’ll take the lead
but you’d better back me up.

I sang my way into trouble for years
even though I knew how to get myself out
the shiny dissonance draws me in every time.
Flirting with chaos, courting self-destruction
Isn’t it beautiful?