In times of significant social change many are called on to function as leaders, motivators and planners. In this song, a young man who has himself been inspired by the words and thoughts of great social thinkers and is now preparing to speak to a crowd of social activists.

I did pace all night long as others celebrated
Everything felt all wrong, my fears elongated
I just read a book by a man so educated
The inner workings that usually hide, his vision penetrated

The insights of those he read were so articulate, their words so inspirational, and he only wished he had a similar command of the language. Though he wants to speak and inspire those awaiting his speech, he wishes someone else, a more profound thinker, could take his place.

But where is he now, where is his voice?
My vision is not so complete, yet I’m compelled to speak
My insight is far surpassed by I cannot, I will not live this way
If I could I would remain quiet, and modest, aloof from your gaze

Standing there in front of the emotional throng he felt his words being chosen by their every reaction. Their reaction to one sentence pulled him towards the next sentence in a very reflexive manner.

Fearing losing my form to the puppeteers
My steps, I take, you’re mistaken you tug at my strings

He couldn't stop speaking now. They wouldn't let him. He had to speak what they wanted to hear. Yet, should't he be in charge? Shouldn't he be introducing them to new ideals.

My body shivered in the sweat that grew from my compunction
I thought and thought and prayed, till I could no longer function
I wish somebody else would take my place
For my body is folding under the force of your weight

The fevered pitch of the mob now became a raging river of their emotions. He soon lost all moorings and was being dragged down the tumultuous flowing river built on his audience's excitement, rage, frustration and anger. He just wanted them to stop and be still to listen and not prod him onward.

Please don’t pump me up, have me look at what I’m saying
As I gain I lose control, the power to make a statement
I’m not sure where I begin, I’m talking, you’re talking, I’m talking again
Like my silhouette on the shade it’s growing, it’s shrinking
The light cuts my shape

While the crowd cheered and applauded at what he said, he had the distinct feeling that his words were now totally dependent on their reactions and shouts of slogans and pet phrases. He wanted to be free of their influence and to once again think for himself. Yet, he found himself frozen on stage and each motion and utterance he mustered was totally controlled by the audience. He had become their puppet and they were unconscious puppeteers.

Fearing losing my form to the puppeteers
My steps, I take, you’re mistaken you tug at my strings
Take these strings from the top of my head
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Puppeteers was partially inspired by my experience as a performing musician. Back in the day we were always proud of creating our music and our sound, and always derided any musician who "sold out" by playing "bubble gun" pop music.

Getting a following and fan base while sticking to your artistic integrity was always the ideal. I found it incredibly satisfying and validating to be able to get applause while performing the entire evening performing all original music.

As a musician you can hear, see and sometimes even feel how engaged your audience is, and how much they are enjoying the performance. One night in particular while playing a sax solo I found myself feeding off the energy of the audience. I became enthralled with eliciting their applause and whistles to the point in which my riffs were almost instantaneously responding and adapting to their reactions.

The rest of the evening I become hyper aware of how my stage performance, vocals and sax work were all being tailored to please my audience. Towards the end of the evening I really had the experience that the audience was in charge of the concert and I was just following their lead on how to perform. So in effect, no matter how noble one is as a musician, in the end everyone "sells out" by adapting to their fan base.

On those wonderful special evenings I enjoyed being their puppet, at other times I just couldn't wait to be free of their power.