[Intro, Dm–Bb–F–C slow 82bpm; Room tone, soft piano] [Hummed choir: (ooh)] A note on the fridge, a key on a string A select set of rules decide who gets to breathe [Verse 1, Dm–Bb–F–C picked guitar; Intimate lead, close-mic] I walk past the posters that promise “we belong” Then watch them rewrite what they promised all along A headline needs a villain, while scared-citizens are learned And my name becomes synonymous for a label I didn’t earn. [Pre-Chorus, vi–IV–I–V lift; Layered breaths, light strings] I can be gentle, I can be clear Still a door can lock, from outside or within So I count the hands, and I read the room just fine I learn which phones are attentive, answering their lines [Chorus, I–V–vi–IV wide chords; Anthem lead, stacked vocals] I won’t be marginalized, not tonight Not as a debater, under bright lights If the rules can change, do we have to as well? We build our nets so the fall will be slight I won’t be marginalized, not by design Not while my neighbors still call me “mine” Say it plain, say it clear, say it right: I won’t be marginalized tonight (No, no) No [Verse 2, Dm–Bb–F–C steady strum; Warm bass, brushed drums] Some folks are scared of a story they heard Some sell their fear like a product in the discounted aisle One says “I’m just wondering,” then takes aim at my lifestyle Another wants votes, so they sharpen their knives I don’t need a party, I don’t need a stage I just need tomorrow so I can feel like my age [Bridge, iv–I–V suspense; Spoken word, tape hiss] Power is not a fist Power is a number that answers back A ride to the clinic A boss who can’t shrug off a threat A lawyer on speed dial Who doesn’t let people see him sweat We’re not perfect people, but let’s prepare our daily bread. [Chorus, I–V–vi–IV wider; Full band, choir doubles] I won’t be marginalized, (no, no) not tonight Not as a debater… under these bright lights If the rules can shift, then we’ll shift too Where we build a net, so people don’t get abused I won’t be marginalized, not by design Not when my neighbors, can still call me “mine” So - say it plain, say it proud, say it right: I won’t be marginalized, (no, no) not tonight [Outro, Dm add9 resolve; Fingerpicked guitar, fading choir] [Hummed choir: (ooh)] So hold my hand, and l’ll call you friend It’s the safest way to feel human again. [Bellowing soulful build up vocals] Oh no, [pause] I won’t be… [spoken word] marginalized, again.
