They say it like it’s nothing Like it fixes everything I learned it young in a quiet room Don’t let it show, don’t let it move Shake it off, just play it cool That’s what men are supposed to do Phone lights up, I let it die Too much there I can’t reply Every word just feels too loud So I keep it buried now Bite my tongue till it bleeds Say I’m fine when I’m not sleeping Hold it in, count to three This is what they taught me Be a man about it Swallow it down Don’t make a sound Don’t let it out Be a man about it Carry the weight Smile through the pain Act like you’re okay If I’m a man about it Why am I drowning now? Be a man, be a man Be a man about it Same words in a different skin Different night but the same old script “Man up, mate” — yeah, that’s the line Like it saves you every time In the mirror I don’t react Just rehearse how I hold it back Every crack gets painted shut Still it’s never quite enough Every breath feels counterfeit Like I’m built to just endure it If this is strength, what is this? Why’s it feel like I’m sinking? Be a man about it Swallow it down Don’t make a sound Don’t let it out Be a man about it Carry the weight Smile through the pain Act like you’re okay If I’m a man about it Why can’t I feel okay? Say nothing, say nothing That’s what they told me Say nothing, say nothing That’s what they sold me What if I don’t? What if I break? What if I say it out loud for once? Be a man about it I’m done holding down I’m making a sound I’m letting it out Be a man about it If that’s what you mean Then I’ll be honest Even if it cuts me If this is being a man I’ll do it my way now Be a man… Be a man about it…
