Talk Then by Jewel

[Verse 1] I spent years being perfect just to keep the peace, Bit my tongue so many times I forgot how to speak. If I stayed quiet, I was cold and detached, If I spoke my mind, I was “too much,” overreacted. I carried the weight while they sat back and judged, Fixed everybody’s problems but they still held a grudge. I smiled through the bullshit, I played the good role, But the second I stopped, they all lost control. [Pre-Chorus] So go ahead and say it, I already know the script, I’m the villain either way, so I might as well commit. You wanted a monster? Then watch what you create, ‘Cause I’m done shrinking just to make you feel safe. [Chorus] Talk then. Since that’s all you ever do. Talk then. I ain’t explaining shit to you. If I’m wrong when I’m soft and I’m wrong when I’m strong, Then fuck being right — I’m just doing me from now on. Talk then. Run your mouth, baby, talk then. I’m done playing defense, Go ahead and talk then. [Verse 2] I was the reliable one, the one you could lean on, The one who stayed solid when your whole world was gone. But the second I needed space, the second I said “no,” Suddenly I’m selfish, suddenly I’m cold. I got tired of being everyone’s favorite crutch, Tired of being quiet just to protect your ego so much. So if you’re gonna hate me, then hate me out loud, At least now I’m living instead of shrinking down. [Pre-Chorus] So go ahead and say it, I already know the script, I’m the villain either way, so I might as well commit. You wanted a problem? Then baby, here I am, No more playing nice just to protect who I am. [Chorus] Talk then. Since that’s all you ever do. Talk then. I ain’t explaining shit to you. If I’m wrong when I’m soft and I’m wrong when I’m strong, Then fuck being right — I’m just doing me from now on. Talk then. Run your mouth, baby, talk then. I’m done playing defense, Go ahead and talk then. [Bridge – half-sung, more emotional] I don’t hate you for needing me… I just hate that I forgot how to need me too. I gave and I gave ‘til there wasn’t much left, Now I’m taking my peace and I’m keeping what’s left. [Final Chorus – bigger, angrier] So talk then. Say whatever the fuck you want. Talk then. I’m not shrinking for your comfort no more. If I’m the bad guy anyway, then let me be great, ‘Cause I’d rather be hated while living than loved while I break. Talk then. Keep my name in your mouth. Talk then. I’m done trying to figure you out. [Outro – cold, confident] Talk… That’s all you know how to do. While I’m out here living… And you’re still stuck on who I used to be.