Intro: Smile for the camera Say you’re okay Verse 1: They sell us light in little quotes Print salvation, sell it by the dose “If you believe, you’ll be just fine” They never read the fine print line They call it strength to never break To keep your head up, fake the faith But every time I say “I’m good” I feel the lie dig in my chest Pre-Chorus: If hope’s the answer, why’s it hurt? Why does belief feel rehearsed? Chorus: Hope is a cult, hands in the air Sing hallelujah, don’t ask if it’s fair Close your eyes, swallow the truth Smile through everything you’re going through Hope is a cult, bright and loud Drown your fear in the sound of the crowd If you fall, they’ll say you quit Hope is a cult — and I don’t fit Verse 2: They clap for scars when you survive But flinch when you’re not “inspired” They love the comeback, hate the pain Love the win, not the days you’re afraid They say “stay strong,” “don’t look back” Like grief’s a weakness you can snap If I don’t glow, if I don’t shine They act like I’m wasting time Pre-Chorus: If hope is clean, why am I stained? Why do I feel ashamed? Chorus: Hope is a cult, stand in line Say it’ll pass, say you’re fine Say you’re healed, say you’re blessed Bury the parts you can’t confess Hope is a cult, sweet and loud Paint your doubt and burn it down If you break, they’ll say you slipped Hope is a cult — and I don’t fit Bridge: Maybe hope’s not what they sold Maybe it’s quiet, cracked, and cold Maybe it’s staying when you want to go Maybe it’s saying “I don’t know” I don’t need faith without a face I don’t need light that hides the pain If hope is real, let it bleed Let it look a little like me Final Chorus: Hope is a cult, but I walked out Kept the spark, burned the doubt I don’t need slogans to survive I don’t need lies to feel alive Hope is a choice, raw and true Not what they preach, not what they use If I believe, I’ll do it loud Hope is a cult — I broke it down Outro: I still believe Just not the way you told me to
