…in which an early Mighty Nein allow their fears, shame, and pain to convince themselves no one could accept them as they truly are. If only they could know that they are not alone. If only they could discover the freedom of secure vulnerability among close friends. Perhaps it is more possible than you think.

If you enjoyed this song, please consider making a donation to the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking, a charity fighting to end slavery and human trafficking in Los Angeles County.

We had the absolute pleasure to work with many talented Critters on this song:

Fjord performed by Critical Bard (@CriticalBard, https://www.patreon.com/criticalbard)

Nott performed by Rochelle Ibarra (@roroibarra, roro_ibarra on Instagram)

Jester performed by Ginny Di (@itsginnydi, https://www.patreon.com/ginnydi)

Caleb, Lyrics, and Music by Meany Vizzini (@MeanyVizzini)

Nott the Brave mask pendant and photo by Krystallite (@Beelziboo)

Audio Mixing by Ever Dreams Creative (https://linktr.ee/everdreamscreative)

Arrangement, Production, and Mastering by Will Crosswait (@WillCrosswait, willxwait on Instagram)

Inspired by the cast and crew of Critical Role, who find a way to bring something so genuine through so many layers of masks. Thank you.

Lyrics:

[Fjord]

Tough guys

Grinning through their snake eyes

Wanting to be sure I

Know I’m not welcome here

Follow

Work to blend into the shadows

Emulate the ones who don’t show

The extent of their fear

[Nott]

Crippled by the fetters of a foreign race

Shackled by the terror of a horrid face

Summed up as a symbol of malignancy

The source and aim of bigotry

The Nott-becoming part of me

Sheltered by the darkness sneaking out of sight

Haunted by reflections of the dawning light

Comfort finding only when I’m spirited

Encouraged by escape to move ahead

[Fjord and Nott]

So hide it away

Don’t show your weakness

You cannot stay

If you are honest

Sure, they’ll pretend to be your friend

Until they find your secret and

They figure out exactly where to strike

So I wear a mask

Hidden in plain view

What you don’t ask

Ain’t gonna hurt you

So I wear the mask

(I wear the mask)

Of who I’d rather be

[Jester]

Lonely

I am always feeling lonely

Oh, I have to be the only one

Who’s stuck in this hell

Happy

I just want them to be happy

Keep pretending and they won’t see

The sadness that you hide so well

[Jester, Fjord, Nott]

Hide it away

Don’t show your weakness

No one will stay

If you are honest

Oh sure, they’ll pretend to be your friend

Until they see your sadness and

They figure out it isn’t worth their time

So I wear a mask

Hidden in plain view

What you don’t ask

Ain’t gonna hurt you

So I wear the mask (I wear the mask)

Of what you want to believe

Of who I’d rather be

[Caleb]

Heckled by the promise of a brighter past

Ruined by the knowledge singeing it to ash

Caught up in a wave of nationality

Of losing my humanity

The guillotine was pulled by me

Set on a track

Can’t take it back

One thing defining my life as it’s starting to crack

Where to begin?

Hatin' within

Too much to swallow, I’m hollow and wallowing in all my sin

Finding my mind is gone crawlin'

So spineless and bawlin'

And joinin' the Nein is appallin',

Pretendin' it’s fine, oh the gall when

My kin who have fallen are callin' my name

[Caleb, Fjord, Nott, Jester]

Hide it away

Don’t show your weakness

No one can stay

Let’s just be honest

Oh ja, you’ll pretend to be their friend

Until they find your story and

They figure out exactly who you are

So I wear a mask

Hidden in plain view

What they don’t ask

Ain’t gonna hurt you

Now I wear the mask (I wear the mask)

Of what you want to believe

Of who I’d rather be

Of what I think about me