Macklemore y Ryan Lewis - Light tunnels

[Estribillo: Mike Slap]
Last night the skies turned purple and
past lives in light tunnels.
Light tunnels.


[Macklemore]
In the back of a town car, staring at myself in a tux
Maneuvering through the people out front.
Police barricade, orange cones and we're stuck
Twenty minutes late and my manager blowing me up.
Security guard in the garage at the entrance
We roll down the window and show him our credentials.
Terrell flash the pass and he lets us continue.
Metal detectors, phone losing reception.
I should be grateful this my nine to five.
I walk into the green room, alright, alright.
I get on YouTube tryna learn how to tie on my tie.
Fuck it, I'll wear the bolo tonight, night, night.
I probably shouldn't have done the drugs I've done
A couple of days ago, detox son.
I forgot my belt at the hotel
Fuck, now my team all scrambling to help, this sucks.
I need something to cope, ain't nothing to cope.
I eat a banana and I drink a cup of Throat Coat.
I wish I had the homies with me here but nope.
Most of the artists that I know don't get invited to this show.
Because success to them determines our value
The make-up, the power, hairspray, perfume, makeup and powder.
The ratings come down to who's popular now in the song in the hour.
Knock at the door, I let them in, hair and makeup now, red carpet in ten.
She covers up my freckles, concealer on my chin.
I look orange but she swears it looks natural with my skin.
The show is starting, they take me to my seat.
Walk in the arena, feel the ego of elites.
Like the whole industry is staring at me.
A row away from Taylor, two away from Jay and Bey.


[Estribillo: Mike Slap]
Last night the skies turned purple and
past lives in light tunnels.
Light tunnels.
So that's who we are.
Just like the stars.
Shine your light on.
Shine your light on.


[Macklemore]
Curtain opens up, host walks out.
We stand in unison and applaud real loud.
I watch the other people that have been around for a while
Just excited I got invited, feeling cool in the crowd.
Thinking such and such is bold, look at such and such's gold.
Damn, such and such in real life, looks really fuckin' old.
Such and such is fine, she's with such and such, oh.
I'm here but I'm barely even watching the show.
Cause tonight we toast to our accomplishments.
Insecurity dressed up as confidence.
I said tonight we toast to our accomplishments.
Insecurity dressed up as confidence.
An award is given out, commercial, reset the scene.
They keep saying "Coming soon is the Biebs".
Watch celebrities take selfies with celebrities.
It feels so make believe.
They want the gossip, they want the drama.
They want Britney Spears to make out with Madonna.
They want Kanye to rant and to go on longer, cause that equates to more dollars.
They want talking topics, they want trending topics.
They want outfits to be outlandish, they want sideways glances.
Beef and problems, they want nipple slips.
Cause they live for clicks, this is economics.
So we Botox our skin and we smile for the camera.
Might as well get a new nose while we're at it.
This is America, insecurity's our fabric.
And we wear it and we renamed it fashion.
I look to my right, there's a cameraman snapping.
Picture after picture after sister after sister
Of the line of Kardashians, mind so distracted.
Realized there's an ovation and everyone's clapping.


[Estribillo: Mike Slap]
Last night the skies turned purple and
past lives in light tunnels.
Light tunnels.
So that's who we are.
Just like the stars.
Shine your light on.
Shine your light on.


[Macklemore]
It's just weird when the camera's on you.
Gotta remember to still clap if I lose.
I see myself up on the screen.
Split into five different artists on TV.
And just look normal, don't get turned into a meme.
Relax, breathe.
(And the award goes to: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis)
Me.
There's a stranger holding my award.
I give her an awkward hug she says "It's yours".
Think I'm supposed to kiss her on the cheek.
Man, I should have prepared an acceptance speech.
Do I talk first? Is it Ryan? Is it me?
Fuck it, I'll take the lead, grab the mic, say my piece.
Do I look at camera one? Do I look at camera three?
I promise, I'm honored, I'd like to thank God, my momma and father.
I'd like to thank Tricia, the mother of my daughter.
I couldn't have done it without you all in my corner.
Especially the fans, been here since the beginning.
Supported the music, allowed us to be independent.
And I know, I shouldn't be long-winded.
Wait, hold up, don't play the music, let me finish.
This feels so narcissistic, dressed as a celebration to conceal it's a business.
Me, me, me, my, my image, my, my songs, my self interest.
One big reality show that is scripted
And I can keep trying or get off the competition.
I'd rather run out of my fifteen minutes
Than have life past me by and I forget to live it
But that doesn't mean retirement
But I don't like who I am in this environment.
I forgot what this art's for.
I didn't get through Freshman year to drop out as a Sophomore.
Here I am in this arena, yeah, I'm scared.
I got the people's attention, don't wanna lose it here.
Thinking about my career, miserable here.
But wanna make sure I'm invited next year
To the same damn party, celebrities and aisles.
Same blank stares, same fake smiles.
Same big budget production.
I know now who I am when the lights go out and it falls down.
And the curtain closes, nobody notices.
Wanted to throw up the Roc, wanted to be Hova.
Wanted to be Wayne with the accent from the 'Nolia.
Thought I'd feel better when the award show was over
But I guess I showed up late.
Almost got cut off when they closed the gate.
Just in time, what will I say?
Time to explain this unruly mess I've made.
I guess I showed up late.
Almost got cut off when they closed the gate.
Just in time, what will I say?
Time to explain this unruly mess I've made.