We were lighting up the night like a downtown spark,
Two hearts floating in a paper sky.
You were talking like you meant every word in the dark,
But every sunrise tells a different kind of lie.
I was holding on to moments that were never built to last,
Caught up in the glow that was fading fast.

And I should’ve known by the way you shine—
Some lights look real but they’re never mine.

Paper lantern lies—
They float so pretty, then they fall from the sky.
You said forever with that fire in your eyes,
But forever only flickers for a moment at a time.
Yeah, I kept believing
You were more than just a passing light…
Paper lantern lies—
They don’t survive the morning right.

We were dancing on the edge of a borrowed flame,
You held me like you meant to stay.
But you always had a talent for forgetting my name
Once the magic drifted out and the glow gave way.
I was reading into shadows like they meant something true,
But shadows disappear when they’re done with you.

And I should’ve known by the way you shine—
Some hearts burn quick just to leave you behind.

Paper lantern lies—
They float so pretty, then they fall from the sky.
You said forever with that fire in your eyes,
But forever only flickers for a moment at a time.
Yeah, I kept believing
You were more than just a passing light…
Paper lantern lies—
They don’t survive the morning right.

Maybe I wanted it more than you did,
Maybe I saw something more than sparks.
But I’m done chasing what’s gone too quick—
No more loving in the dark.

Paper lantern lies—
I see the truth now that the shine’s worn thin.
You were a moment that lit up my life,
But moments die when the daylight steps in.
Yeah, I kept believing
You were more than just a passing light…
Paper lantern lies—
Fade out when the timing’s right.

Fade out…
Just another passing light.