Whenever you're near I hide my tears
Behind a painted smile
You can't imagine the tears and sorrow
Behind a painted smile

My life's a masquerade
world of let's pretend, yeah
Since you took your love
Pretending never ends, dear

But I can't let you know
That I still need you so, no

Darling I hide the tears that I cry
Whenever you're near I hide my tears
Behind a painted smile
You can't imagine the tears and sorrow
Behind a painted smile

I can't let you see
All the tears I'm crying
You would pity me
That would be like dying

If I can't have your love
I don't need your sympathy

Darling I hide the tears that I cry
Whenever you're near I hide my tears
Behind a painted smile
You can't imagine the tears and sorrow
Behind a painted smile

My life is a masquerade
Since you took your love away
Whenever you're near I hide my tears
I just can't let you see
How much you hurting me
Whenever you're near I hide my tears
Behind a painted smile

Read more: The Isley Brothers - Behind Painted Smile Lyrics | MetroLyrics