Verse 1:
C            C         C            C        C
When I step onto the stage, see the curtain raise
C         C     C              C     C
I'm apparent, I've got someone to play
C                      C      C
All the crowd, they're in the seats
C        C                       C 
Looking straight at me for an answer
C                       F     F 
They just get what they see
F            F       F              F      F                   C            C 
They applaud and the usher's locking the door till the matinee

Verse 2:
C            C         C            C         C
So I get to know the cast, though it doesn't last
C         C    C              C     C
I'm a pro but I won't take it too far
C            C          C        C       C
Now I know I shouldn't get comfy on the set
C          C    C                     F     F 
Every time it all comes down when we end
F                 F         F                  F      F
That's the truth that the stage school doesn't teach you
F                     C            C 
But it's good to know

Pre-chorus:
   F          G              C            Am
It takes much more than just learning the script
             F              G        Am         Em
You see, you gotta take the part and believe it
      F                 G         C            Am
Oh, I sometimes make up all of my lines on the spot
           F      G           Dm
But I will always give what I got

Chorus:
C         G          Am     Em
I thought I was only acting but
         F     C           Dm       G
I felt exactly like it was all for real
C      G              Am      Em
I sure didn't know it hurt so bad
           F      C              Dm      G
That no rehearsal could show you how to feel
   F                   C
Inside, what you gotta hide
                  Em
Where to put your pride
         Am            G
When to realize you've had your
F                  C
Time, find another role
             G
Carry on the show

Bridge: C and B alternating on the bass

You should be able to feel a performance with your whole body and soul

Now I'm gonna teach you everything I've got!

And you, and you, and you, and you!

Solo:
   C G Am Em
   F C Dm G

Pre-chorus:
      F                 G         C            Am
Oh, I sometimes make up all of my lines on the spot
           F      G           Dm
But I will always give what I got

Chorus:
C         G          Am     Em
I thought I was only acting but
         F     C           Dm       G
I felt exactly like it was all for real
C      G              Am      Em
I sure didn't know it hurt so bad
           F      C              Dm      G
That no rehearsal could show you how to feel
   F                   C
Inside, what you gotta hide
                  Em
Where to put your pride
         Am            G
When to realize you've had your
F                  C
Time, find another role
             G
Carry on the show


D         A          Bm     Gbm
I thought I was only acting but
         G     D           Em       A
I felt exactly like it was all for real
D      A              Bm      Gbm
I sure didn't know it hurt so bad
           G      D              Em      A
That no rehearsal could show you how to feel
   G                   D
Inside, what you gotta hide
                  Gbm
Where to put your pride
         Bm            A
When to realize you've had your
G                  D
Time, find another role
             A
Carry on the show
 This arrangement is its contributor’s own interpretation, shared for private study, education and non-commercial use. The underlying song, lyrics and music remain the property of their copyright owners. To request removal, see Legal & Copyright.