[Verse 1] I kept the rough edges under lock and key Pressed every loose thread flat for all to see I learned to smile before the questions came And called it being good at playing safe [Pre-Chorus] But there was a voice beneath the careful pose A little less composed than I was told I let it through, no softening the sound And watched the room turn upside down [Chorus] You said, “Damn, girl, I like you mad Go ahead and put me in my place” You saw the fire I was hiding back And didn’t ask me to erase You said I’m more than pretty, more than sweet More than keeping every sharp thought neat I spent so long trying to disappear You made me feel powerful standing here [Verse 2] I used to dress my anger up in lace Put all my honest words in their place But you held steady when I raised my voice Like being real could still be a choice [Pre-Chorus] I don’t need permission to be heard I don’t need to sand down every word The truth came out with both its hands held high And you met it eye to eye [Chorus] You said, “Damn, girl, I like you mad Go ahead and put me in my place” You saw the fire I was hiding back And didn’t ask me to erase You said I’m more than pretty, more than sweet More than keeping every sharp thought neat I spent so long trying to disappear You made me feel powerful standing here [Bridge] Maybe polished was a kind of cage A quiet little room I learned to praise Now every flaw I feared I had to hide Is proof I never left myself behind [Final Chorus] You said, “Damn, girl, I like you mad Go ahead and put me in my place” You saw the fire I was hiding back And loved the truth across my face I’m more than pretty, more than sweet I’m every hard-earned word I speak I spent so long trying to disappear Now I feel powerful standing here [Outro] No more shrinking to fit the frame I let it out, I keep my name
