Labrats - Behind the Veil

Lyrics:
[Verse 1 - Quiet, contemplative]
Used to walk through life with wonder in my eyes
Saw the best in everyone, believed in their disguise
Thought the world was painted in the colors that I chose
Now I see the hidden thorns beneath each perfect rose
Every smile's got secrets that they never let me see
Every friend's got reasons that they hide from you and me
Used to think that people meant exactly what they'd say
Now I see the masks they wear get heavier each day

[Pre-Chorus - Building tension]
Ignorance was armor that I didn't know I wore
Till the truth came crashing through my unlocked door

[Chorus - Heavy, haunting]
There's a burden in seeing clearly
When the world shows its true face
All the magic turns to mirrors
And you can't find a hiding place
Wish I could close my eyes and feel that
Sweet surrender once again
But there's no going back to Eden
Once you've seen behind the veil

[Verse 2 - More urgent, frustrated]
Watched my father's promises turn hollow in the night
Learned that mother's "everything's okay" was just to stop my fright
Saw that love's not always pure, that kindness has a price
That the ones who seem the strongest are just rolling loaded dice
Every person's got a shadow that they try to keep concealed
Every heart's got broken places that will never fully heal
Used to think we'd find connection if we just kept reaching out
Now I know some loneliness will always live without

[Pre-Chorus - Building anticipation]
Innocence was shelter that I didn't know I'd lost
Till I learned what wisdom costs

[Chorus - More desperate, layered]
There's a burden in seeing clearly
When the world shows its true face
All the magic turns to mirrors
And you can't find a hiding place
Wish I could close my eyes and feel that
Sweet surrender once again
But there's no going back to Eden
Once you've seen behind the veil

[Instrumental]

[Final Chorus - Resigned but powerful]
There's a burden in seeing clearly
When the world shows its true face
But maybe in the broken mirrors
I can find a different grace
Though I can't close my eyes and feel that
Sweet surrender once again
I'll keep walking through the darkness
Now I've seen behind the veil
There's a burden in seeing clearly
But I'll carry what I've learned
Even though the truth burns brightly
Even though I can't return

[Outro - Quiet resolve]
Used to walk through life with wonder in my eyes
Now I walk with wisdom, heavy as it lies
There's a burden in seeing clearly
But the truth is still the prize