[Verse 1] You queue for the badge and rehearse what to say I watch from the edge where the rules fray Your polished reply, your rehearsed little grin I see where you bend and where you don’t give in [Pre-Chorus] I’m not in the picture So I see the frame You call it a distance I call it a name [Chorus] Outside, I can choose my own direction Outside, I can read the room without permission You build your walls; I see the doors I take the long way, learn the floors What looked like exile gave me eyes I make my own rules, make my own rise [Verse 2] You trade every hour for a seat at the table I leave when the talk turns thin and unstable I notice who listens, who waits to be seen Who says what they mean when the room goes quiet between [Pre-Chorus] I’m not in the picture So I see the frame I learned what you’re hiding And what you can’t name [Chorus] Outside, I can choose my own direction Outside, I can read the room without permission You build your walls; I see the doors I take the long way, learn the floors What looked like exile gave me eyes I make my own rules, make my own rise [Bridge] No, I don’t need your invitation I know the cost of imitation I’ll take the view you left behind And turn that distance into time [Final Chorus] Outside, I can choose my own direction Outside, I can read the room without permission You build your walls; I see the doors I take the long way, learn the floors What looked like exile gave me eyes I make my own rules, make my own rise [Outro] I see the frame I choose the way
