On Artistic Integrity Songtext / Lyric

I toe the line of self-indulgence

Every time I place my pen

Upon the page

And form the words

I felt

But couldn't show 'til then

And to myself

I beg the question

Why do I thus masquerade

As one to one

And to another

Someone else?

If I

Afraid

Of what the consequence of stating

Openly my cause might be

When I rant

And rhyme

And reason

Do I write for them

Or me?

I believe there is some merit

In creating for one's self

But why place before the public

What is best

Left on the shelf?

Though while I write

I do not feel that

What I pen is mine alone

Even this could be misguided

As are many I have known

Who swore, poor souls

That they possessed

The key to man's mysterious fate

Succeeded in convincing some

But most could tell

They did but prate

On subjects

Touching something vague

Which cannot be unproven, or

In place of content

Speak in tongues

Yet know not whom they're speaking for

No, I am not deluded so

I do not feel I represent

Some force divine

But still I know

That I shall never be content

To hold my tongue when I would speak

Or change my words to suit the hour

Or pinch a blush upon my cheek

To feign my joy

At love gone sour

I do not wish to disappoint

The faith that others place in me

To lead the way to brighter days

But sometimes dark

Is all I see

I work for good

I toil for hope

No one can question my intent

But even those who listen close

Can often mistake

What I meant

My fear

I've come to realize

Is mainly this:

That I am wrong

That my perception is askew

That I write shyte

And call it song

Perhaps I'll always question thus

Discount my merits

Thoughts

And deeds

'Tis well

Long as I still go forth

And see where this

My vision

Leads

Strong is she

Who knows her mind

And speaks it

Though she may not please

Fortunate the audience

That hears such honest thoughts

As these