Light The Candle Anyway (Flaming Phoenix Mix)

(Verse 1) Ten years old, wishing on a quiet flame Counting candles in the dark, feeling like a shame Mom was tired, world was heavy, pockets full of rain And every smile I tried to wear just triggered someone’s pain Silence wrapped like ribbon ‘round a day meant to be mine Guilt instead of laughter as the world said, “Don’t you shine.” And every year that followed, I learned to hold my breath Like celebrating living was some selfish act of theft (Pre-Chorus) I swallowed joy as if it cost too much Afraid to want the simplest human touch (Chorus) But now I light the candle anyway Even if the past still trembles in the flame I’ll raise a glass to who I am today Not apologize for being here, for wanting to celebrate I survived the shame they trained me with — I’m breaking through the ache I light the candle anyway (Verse 2) Decades later, hearts I love still laugh it off, still tease Like growing older proudly is a weakness or disease Friends who fear the mirror try to pour their fear in me But I refuse to dim my light again — I fought hard to be free I stayed quiet this year, just tryin' to keep the peace Went along with what you wanted, my inner child was not released But inside I felt the echo of that frightened, younger me Asking, “Is it wrong I want a moment that is all about me?” (Pre-Chorus) But I have earned each breath, each laugh, each year I won’t shrink just to make you comfortable dear (Chorus) So I light the candle anyway Even when they roll their eyes or turn away I’ll claim the day my heartbeat chose to stay I’m not hiding any longer, I’m done shrinking to be safe You can mock my joy — but you won’t get no cake I light the candle anyway (Chant w/ crowd effect) Flame on! Flame on! (Bridge) This joy took decades to rebuild Brick by trembling brick, until The child who felt like he was wrong Became the grown one singing strong And if you never cheer for me I still will rise, I still will be A flame unashamed, burning bright It's my life — I get to love the light (Final Chorus) Watch me light the candle anyway Honor every scar that brought me to today My heart deserves the celebration it was once denied I won my right to be alive So here I stand, refusing to fade I light the candle anyway Yeah, I light the candle anyway (Chant w/ crowd effect) Flame on! Flame on! (Outro) If joy is rebellion, then watch me rebel My birthday is proof that I lived and did it well