Tonight, I gave the greatest performance of my life
I never lost control, I played the part so well
That not a single soul could tell that I was lying

And so, though it was hard to face our friends, I gave a party
I know I meant to show them all, I've gotten over you
And though I saw the unbelieving looks on all their faces
I had to try to make them think that it was true

So I, who had me dance, dance through the night, just like the gypsy
And I who seldom drink, drank like a fish till I was high, and I
Who hadn't laughed since God knows when, out laughed Pagliacci
Till they believed it more than even I

Tonight, I gave the greatest performance of my life
I never lost control, I played the part so well
That not a single soul could tell that I was lying
But love, if you had been behind the curtain, when it fell

When all the lights were out and I was all alone
You would have seen this actress crying

Yes, tonight, I gave the greatest performance of my life
I never lost control, I played the part so well
That not a single soul could tell that I was lying
But love, if you had been behind the curtain, when it fell

When all the lights were out and I was all alone
You would have seen this actress crying