The Ballad of Mona Lisa

Album: Vices & Virtues (2011)
Charted: 43 89
Play Video
  • She paints her fingers with a close precision
    He starts to notice empty bottles of gin
    And takes a moment to assess the sin she's paid for

    A lonely speaker in a conversation
    Her words are swimming through his ears again
    There's nothing wrong with just a taste of what you paid for

    Say what you mean, tell me I'm right
    And let the sun rain down on me
    Give me a sign, I wanna believe

    Whoa oh oh oh oh, Mona Lisa
    You're guaranteed to run this town
    Whoa oh oh oh oh, Mona Lisa
    I'd pay to see you frown

    He senses something, call it desperation
    Another dollar, another day
    And if she had the proper words to say
    She would tell him
    But she'd have nothing left to sell him

    Say what you mean, tell me I'm right
    And let the sun rain down on me
    Give me a sign, I wanna believe

    Whoa oh oh oh oh, Mona Lisa
    You're guaranteed to run this town
    Whoa oh oh oh oh, Mona Lisa
    I'd pay to see you frown

    Mona Lisa, wear me out
    I'm pleased to please ya
    Mona Lisa, wear me out

    Say what you mean, tell me I'm right
    And let the sun rain down on me
    Give me a sign, I wanna believe

    Whoa oh oh oh oh, Mona Lisa
    You're guaranteed to run this town
    Whoa oh oh oh oh, Mona Lisa
    I'd pay to see you frown

    Say what you mean, tell me I'm right
    And let the sun rain down on me
    Give me a sign, I wanna believe

    There's nothing wrong with just a taste of what you paid for Writer/s: Brendon Urie, Butch Walker, John Feldmann, Spencer Smith
    Publisher: Audiam, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • M from Toronto, OnThis song is one of their best, that's for sure
  • Carli from Phoenix, AzThey played this in concert lastnight on their tour. What an awesome song! I like New Perspective too. I'm suprised I like songs off the new album since I'm such a fan of "A fever you can't sweat out"
  • Miranda from Columbus, OhI. Love. This. Song. Amazing. Good job, panic!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.