Thin Man

Sometimes late, when the TV light
is the only thing still breathing in the room,
a velvet voice will sell you something easy —
a brand-new life arriving by the afternoon.

But the man behind the curtain, he was selling you your own self,
in a ribbon and a box you didn't need.
And the magic in the bottle was the work you never started —
the oldest lie there is, in shinier conceit.

So go on — put it down.

When I say it comes 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round
(ooh) new label, same old water
(ooh) watch it wash away, 'way, 'way, 'way
(ooh) tin shine, paper armor
(ooh, ooh)

Sometimes noon, when the mirror's hard,
and the easy road is calling like a friend,
remember every shortcut runs in circles
and lays you down exactly where you've been.

'Cause the man behind the curtain never carried what you're missing —
it was sleeping in your hands the whole time through.
And the cure was never powder, it was patience you'd forgotten —
the same parade, just wearing something new.

So go on — put it down.

When I say it comes 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round
(ooh) new label, same old water
(ooh) watch it wash away, 'way, 'way, 'way
(ooh) tin shine, paper armor
(ooh, ooh)

Same old thing, comin' 'round again,
(comin' 'round again)
thin man, thin man, what'd you think you'd win?
(what'd you think you'd win)