Songtext Bad actor Merle Haggard

Bad actor

I've never been much at making believe,
Don't have any tricks hidden up my sleeve.
If life is a comedy, where's all the laughter?
'Cause here on the stage I'm a bad actor.

I don't know what you want me to know.
So I'll take the small parts in our family show.
Tell me which hero you want me to play.
How should I feel, and what do I say?

Pretending to care, pretending to cry.
You say I'll be there, and I say I'll try.
Second hand feelings are always a factor,
In my staring roll as a bad actor.

Please let me know what you want me to see.
Where do you want me to be?
In this old mirror, I'm just a reflection,
But I might be brilliant if you'd give direction.

I have a problem of knowing what's real.
All my emotions I borrow and steal.
Faking my way through every day,
And trying to act like it's better that way

Pretending to care, pretending to cry.
You say I'll be there, and I say I'll try.
Second hand feelings are always a factor,
In my staring roll as a bad actor.