Behind the Beard — A layered illustrated bearded musician above Los Angeles with roads, stage lights and hidden botanical worlds flowing behind him

The songbook

Behind the Beard

Words by Douglas Heyes Jr. Listen to the recorded versions and follow the lyric below.

Original Doug Heyes lyrics · AI-generated music & vocals

An aspiring performer remembers a secret relationship with an unnamed Hollywood star. Behind the public image are private encouragement, music and affection, all constrained by fear of being seen. The lyric moves toward a plea for love without disguise, even as separation leaves the narrator holding on through the songs they shared.

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Recorded versions

5 recordings. Different voices and arrangements bring another side of the song into the light.

Lyrics

Behind the Beard

Words by Douglas Heyes Jr

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BEHIND THE BEARD

You were up in Bel Air
Above Mullholland Drive
You had a view of Everywhere
The Valley and the Sky
You could see the Ocean
And the Mountains way up high
Way up over Hollywood
Where Angels Dare To Fly

I was a Hitchhiker
On Sunset Boulevard
Working as a Waiter
Just waitin' for a part
I had a little money
But nothin' put away
So I had to do a few things
I really shouldn't say

But You and I were different
The same as we are
I won't name you, Baby
But you were a Superstar
You saw something in me
That I never saw before
You came around, I found you
Knockin' on my back door

We could not say anything
To anyone we knew
We had to fly on alibis
After I met you
Still somehow we found a way
To get away from here
And when we both came back to Town
We were back behind The Beard

I'd go out and do my thing
You were right behind me
I forget most anything
You're there to remind me
But, O, my Lord, when I could Sing
The way you taught me to
The world would turn
My heart would burn
And I fell in love with you

Things at first were easier
Then harder by the day
The things I thought I wanted most
Were only in the way
I was always out there
Just tryin' to get Somewhere
I didn't know just where it was
Maybe it was just because

BRIDGE:

Love should never have to be
The reason for your Fear
And we should never have to Live
A Life behind tThe Beard

Come on out Together
Come on out and Play
Come and Hear the Music
And the Laughter on the way
Come and See the Rainbow
A Full Circle today
No More tears Behind The Beard
We can let them blow Away

I only cried a little while
When you went away
The Shadows are getting longer
When the Night turns into Day
Maybe I don't belong here
Maybe I'll go away
But I will still remember you
When the Music starts to play

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