[Verse 1] To the younger me, I know you're tired, Carrying burdens that were never yours. Standing in the hallway, trying not to cry, Learning how to survive instead of learning how to be alive. You wore a smile that didn't fit your face, Learned to shrink yourself to save your place. You thought if you were perfect, they'd finally see your worth, But love was never something you were meant to earn. [ Interlude ] [Pre-Chorus] And I know you've blamed yourself for years, Collected every wound and every tear. But sweetheart, listen closely now— There's something I need you to hear. [Chorus] It was never your fault. You were only a child. You didn't deserve the storms, Or the fear that ran wild. You were never too much, Never hard to love. The hands that should've held you Were the ones you had to run from. So let go of the guilt, Lay down all the shame. You don't have to carry What was never yours to claim. Little one, you're free now. You can finally breathe. And if no one told you then— I believe in you completely. [ Interlude] [Verse 2] I'm sorry for the years I spent hating you, For looking in the mirror and only seeing what was broken. I'm sorry I called you weak When all you were doing was surviving. I'm sorry I tried to erase you, To hide every scar and every memory. You weren't embarrassing. You weren't damaged goods. You were a child asking for love In places that couldn't deliver. [Pre-Chorus] I know anxiety taught you to hide, To make yourself small and stay inside. But the world was never meant to lose your light Because of someone else's darkness. [Chorus] It was never your fault. You were only a child. You didn't deserve the storms, Or the fear that ran wild. You were never too much, Never hard to love. The hands that should've held you Were the ones you had to run from. So let go of the guilt, Lay down all the shame. You don't have to carry What was never yours to claim. Little one, you're free now. You can finally breathe. And if no one told you then— I believe in you completely. [Bridge] Look at us now. We made it through the fire. The nights we thought would break us Only taught us how to rise higher. You don't have to keep apologizing For existing. You don't have to prove your worth To be deserving. I know you're scared. I know you're hurting. But one day you'll discover That surviving was never the end of your story. [Final Chorus] So come here, little girl, Rest your weary heart. The war is finally over, You don't have to play the part. You don't have to save everyone, You don't have to earn your place. You were worthy from the moment You first opened your eyes to this world. And if I could rewrite history, I'd hold your hand through every scar. But since I can't, I'll tell you now Exactly who you are: You are brave. You are loved. You are enough. You always were. [Outro] Dear younger me... You can stop blaming yourself now. You can stop carrying the guilt. You can stop hiding. None of it was your fault. Go be a child. I'll take it from here.
