Close the Curtain

By Alicia Stockman & Jesse Strickman

Rehearsing smiles over cold cereal
Reciting small talk over coffee
You set the stage, I play my part
It’s almost convincing

“Honey, I’m home” falls right on cue
Forks and knives keep up the conversation
Your kiss goodnight leaves before it lands
And I gotta wonder if it’s time we…

Close the curtain
Quit feeding each other lines 
Drop the happy couple scene
We’ve done a thousand times
There’s no one here but us 
Stop acting like we’re in love
Baby, It’s ok
I’d rather lose you than love you this way

Your touch was once electric current through my skin
Laughter chimed like bells off the bedroom walls 
Luscious nights blurred into dawns
I could live everyday on the nearness of you

But tender words turned scripted
Lovers gaze turned masquerade
When did passion become a production?
I’m sorry but I think it’s time to…

Close the curtain
Quit feeding each other lines 
Drop the happy couple scene
We’ve done a thousand times
There’s no one here but us 
Stop acting like we’re in love
Baby, It’s ok
I’d rather lose you than love you this way

One last touch
At least it’s real this time
Our final bow
Your hand in mine
We both know this show is over

Close the curtain
Quit feeding each other lines 
Drop the happy couple scene
We’ve done a thousand times
There’s no one here but us 
Stop acting like we’re in love
Baby, It’s ok
I’d rather lose you than love you this way

Alicia and I knew each other from Rocky Mountain Song School in Colorado where I’d heard her songwriting enough to know I was a big fan. So when we found ourselves sharing Steve Seskin’s co-writing class, I jumped at the chance to pair up with her. By the time the 90min class was over we were both hooked on what we’d come with! We stayed in touch long distance and finished the song over zoom.

The tune’s an ode to the moment we’ve both gone through, where you’re in a relationship that no longer feels passionate. The love feels forced. Sadly, maybe it's time the two actors close the curtain.