[Intro] (soft swing beat + distant horn stab + whispered vocal) Yeah… always smiling… for who? [Verse 1] I say “yes” before the question’s even asked I bend, I fold, I wear the perfect mask Laugh at every joke, even when it cuts too deep Carry everyone’s weight while my own soul starts to sleep [Pre-Chorus] And lately I’ve been thinking ‘bout myself less than always Lately I’ve just been trying to kill the ache When it comes to me [Chorus] I remember the mirror, the smile I once called home Beauty mark of approval on a face that’s not my own Now that I’m without them, baby, I’m better off alone But the price of pleasing everyone… still got me in chains [Verse 2] Time I try to pretend that I’m finally free Sometimes We’re defined by the truths we never dare to see People say “you’re so nice”, like it’s a compliment But nice is just a cage with golden compliment [Pre-Chorus] And lately I’ve been thinking ‘bout myself less than always Lately I’ve just been trying to find my face When it comes to me [Chorus] I remember the mirror, the smile I once called home Beauty mark of approval on a face that’s not my own Now that I’m without them, baby, I’m better off alone But the price of pleasing everyone… still got me in chains [Bridge] (Brass-Solo + stripped-back beat, Vocals halb gesprochen) What does it cost? A piece of my voice, a piece of my fire Every “I’m fine” is a funeral pyre I gave them my light, they left me in the dark Now I’m learning the hardest truth… To be kind to myself is the only real art [Final Chorus] (voller, emotionaler, mit extra Brass-Layer) I remember the mirror, the smile I once called home Beauty mark of approval on a face that’s not my own Now that I’m without them, baby, I’m finally my own The price of pleasing everyone… I’m breaking all the chains [Outro] (Beat fades, last horn line + soft vocal) No more smiles… just for you No more smiles… just for me too… (fade out with swing groove)
