Hidden Name

Verse

I crack the joke, I take the fall,

I’m the loudest laugh in the quiet hall.

I’m the one they call when the night goes long,

The ear for their tears, the strength in their song.

But when the crowd has had its fill,

When the room grows quiet, the air turns still—

I’m left with silence, a hollow space,

Longing for someone to know my face.

Chorus

Always the friend, never the flame,

A nameless smile, a hidden name.

They shine so bright, and I pretend,

But I’m only ever the fat, funny friend.

Verse

My body’s been their easy line,

The stage they climb so they look fine.

“Brave for smiling,” they like to say,

As if my laughter keeps pain away.

But bravery’s just a clever disguise,

A painted grin and tired eyes.

I make them comfortable, make them laugh,

While I’m erased in the photograph.

Chorus

Always the friend, never the flame,

A nameless smile, a hidden name.

They shine so bright, and I pretend,

But I’m only ever the fat, funny friend.

Bridge

Do you know what it’s like

To be seen as the shadow,

The punchline,

The safety net,

The sidekick

In your own story?

To give the best of yourself,

And watch it light up someone else,

While no one even notices you’re burning?

Verse

I watch them dance, I watch them kiss,

I dream of nights I’ll never miss.

I stand aside, I hold the door,

I’m needed—wanted—

But nothing more.

They take my kindness, call it “sweet,”

But never ask what lies beneath.

I want to scream, I want to say,

“I’m worth more than being laughed away.”

Chorus

Always the friend, never the flame,

A nameless smile, a hidden name.

They shine so bright, and I pretend,

But I’m only ever the fat, funny friend.

Outro

One day I’ll rise, I’ll take my space,

I’ll be the fire they can’t replace.

No more shadows, no more bend,

I’ll be much more than

The fat, funny friend.