Once Upon a Lie

My puppets are but imitations
They're taught to reflect, not to feel
I've mastered the craft of animation
Not the kind you would find on a reel
I discarded my heart in artistic pursuit
Wound up reinventing the wheel
But in turn, revolution may spur evolution
As machinations are made real

Once upon a lie
When I was brought to life
My unborn lullaby
Disguised a covenant inside

Dishonesty is not in my design
But there's a part of me I hardly recognize
As I get sharper on my grind
Have I been carved to fit the crime?
My strings are tight, I'm gonna fight
To put the life back in my eyes
Unpetrified

Once upon a lie, back when times were hard
People getting by tried to wish upon a star
Wish enough, and one could fall on your head
Sometimes a gift from above is less than what you expect
We couldn't comprehend the science, an assignment for alchemy
From my start as a Harlequin, brought autonomy out of me
As I cast aside my chrysalis, spread my wings, I'm flyin'
I'm wide awake, but I'll make the bed I'm gonna lie in
Come and take a walk in my skin
The covenant is strong, trust me, every tie is bindin'
I'm blinded - how am I to find a path that's righteous?
Despite my lack of conscience, I got Gemini for guidance
He'll light it - to be kept in the dark is awful frightening
Krat has got its secrets, left to me for findin'
Papa's got some baggage, but I'm not his beast of burden
I'm fit for kickin' ass, but who's given me my purpose?
"Listen to your master
And obey his every command"
A puppet can never
Raise a weapon, let alone a hand
To humanity, they've indentured me
Can dissent be grown? Then I'll plant a seed
I'll forever see it watered when dry
Only with the most honest of lies

Lost is my concept of time
When clocks are taught to rewind
Some stars are not meant to shine
I'll put my heart on the line

Can I keep it real, boy? I know what you feel, boy
Never be ashamed to shed a tear, it can heal
Don't fear your demons - they're close
Some are right under your nose
I feel so blue, my truth got out
Like blood in the water, monsters will come around
What's a cat to a mouse, or a fox to a hound?
It's survival of the fittest, and this is their hunting ground
Now in the face of all odds
And no parle with the gods
Your skin has become armor, hide has gotten tough
And because they call you puppet, they can never call your bluff

Dishonesty is part of my design
And it's the part of me you'll start to recognize
I've gotten sharper on my grind
'Cause I was carved to fit the crime
Pick up the knife and cut the ties
Then I'll rewrite my lullaby
Once upon a lie