[Verse 1]
They look right through my face
Like I’m some shadow here
I bite down on my own name
And swallow back the fear
When they say the wrong thing
I just stare at the floor
I keep my hands in my pockets
I don’t correct anymore
[Pre-Chorus]
I rehearse it in my head
Then let it die in my throat
One small word could save me
But I can’t make it go
[Chorus]
See me, see me now
Call me by my name (by my name)
See me, see me now
I’m not who they name
I’m right here, I’m right here
Still I go unheard (unheard)
See me, see me now
I can’t say the words
[Verse 2]
My mom asks how I’ve been
I say, “Fine,” and look away
Her sharp talk cuts the table
So I keep mine tucked away
I fear the look she’ll give me
Like I’m breaking her belief
So I wear this quiet armor
And choke on what I need
[Pre-Chorus]
I know she’d ask me why
Like I owe her every scar
I just want one safe place
Where I don’t have to guard my heart
[Chorus]
See me, see me now
Call me by my name (by my name)
See me, see me now
I’m not who they name
I’m right here, I’m right here
Still I go unheard (unheard)
See me, see me now
I can’t say the words
[Bridge]
If I spoke up, would they leave?
Would the room go cold and hard?
I keep my truth behind my teeth
Like a match I’m scared to spark
But I’m tired of disappearing
Tired of bending low
Tired of making smaller
All the parts they never know
[Final Chorus]
See me, see me now
Call me by my name (by my name)
See me, see me now
I’m not who they name
I’m right here, I’m right here
I won’t stay unheard (unheard)
See me, see me now
I’m learning the words
[Outro]
One day I’ll say it clean
One day I’ll stand tall
One day I’ll answer loud
And not apologize at all