Smiling Faces, Silent Knives

Smiling faces, grinning wide,
A game of mirrors where secrets hide.
Beneath the laughter, whispers burn,
Fingers trace the wheel, waiting their turn.
You called me brother, said we'd rise,
But I can see it now, behind your eyes.

Man, what’s the cost of climbing high?
The higher we soar, the louder the lie.
I’ve felt your envy in the wind's cold breath,
Like a snake around my throat, squeezing slow death.

They smile at you, but hate your light,
Wishing they could walk your flight.
Jim said it right, "I need a brand new friend,”
Because the road bends sharp where fake love ends.

Behind your grin, I feel the sting,
Like a knife drawn close, it cuts and sings.
And Steve, he ran, always running away,
But some friends stay still—just waiting to betray.

We’re all trapped in this, the lights and the fame,
But you turned my life into your cruel game.
Man, you loved me ‘til you saw the shine,
Now the shadow you cast is creeping on mine.

So I’ll tell you again, with the moon overhead,
I need a new friend before my soul's dead.
No more of your smiling faces, no more sweet lies,
I’ll cut you loose before my fire dies.