Never thought that I was weak
Always thought I could get hurt pretty bad
Still get up on my own two feet

I always believed that I was free
That I had some sense of integrity
That would rise above whatever tried to change me

But, honey, now I won't wait
For something to bring me round and smile
'Cause that only stick for a while
Then I'm back again

Oh, I'm a master pretender

I always knew that I was young
But with a head held high and a shotgun
I could fool almost anyone

I never expected to be struck
By the fatal hands of fortune or by sheer bad luck

But, honey, now we won't change
And memories just rearrange
And fall into place
So I'm back again

Oh, I'm a master pretender

All the streets of New York City
Sure look pretty from way up here
And I was headed home
Just found more alone, the further I'd go

I always thought that you'd be here
But shit gets fucked up
And people just disappear

So, honey, now, don't be mad
Time has told me it can't be that bad
And if it is, well, big goddamn but I'll stick around

I'll be your master defender
Yeah, I'll stick around
I'll be your master defender