[Verse 1] I joke first So you won’t see the bruise Hide the sting Under something you can use I talk loud So my doubts stay small Fill the space Till I feel nothing at all [Chorus] It’s the talk behind the talking It’s the tone behind the words Every laugh that sounds like lightning Hits a place that always hurts If you listen past the echo Past the “fine I’m fine I’m fine” You might hear the part of me I keep talking in my mind [Verse 2] I say “yeah” When I mean “don’t go” Change the subject When I’m shaking in my bones You hear calm But my pulse runs wild Every “sure Whatever” Is a scared Small child [Chorus] It’s the talk behind the talking It’s the tone behind the words Every laugh that sounds like lightning Hits a place that always hurts If you listen past the echo Past the “fine I’m fine I’m fine” You might hear the part of me I keep talking in my mind [Bridge] One day I’ll speak Like I’m not on trial (oh) Let the truth come out Unrehearsed No style Till then I’m here In the space between What I say out loud And what I really mean [Chorus] It’s the talk behind the talking It’s the tone behind the words Every laugh that sounds like lightning Hits a place that always hurts If you listen past the echo Past the “fine I’m fine I’m fine” You might hear the part of me I keep talking in my mind