The Unearned Crown

The curtain rises, the spotlight's bright A knot in my stomach, a blur in my sight They list my degrees, my titles, my name But I'm just waiting for the fall to come. But I'm just waiting for someone to place the blame I’m in charge, or so they say, But fear still finds me by the end of the day. A voice in my head that just won't go away Says "You're just faking, you shouldn't stay." This crown doesn't fit me, it never belonged, Just a fragile illusion that won't last for long. I'm running on fumes, this high-class disguise, Built on borrowed time they'll soon recognize. The praise is just static, a noise in the air I glance at the doorway with a desperate stare For someone who'll see through this clever disguise And show me the truth right there in their eyes I stand with the experts who talk and debate My thoughts are just echoes, I'm borrowing fate I nod with conviction to hide the cold fear, That wisdom I parrot is not really clear. This crown doesn't fit me, it never belonged, Just a fragile illusion that won't last for long. I'm running on fumes, this high-class disguise, Built on borrowed time they'll soon recognize. They trust my voice, they trust my lead, They think I know just what they need. But deep below, the cracks have shown, I'm winging it more than they've known. This crown doesn't fit me, it never belonged, A fragile illusion, everything's wrong. I'll soon drop the act and reveal all my flaws, And finally face their questioning calls. The work is done, they're satisfied, I just pray my luck stays hidden inside I'll vanish quick before they ask How much was me behind the mask