Pressed Smile

[Verse 1]
I put my makeup on like armor
Smile so neat, don’t let it falter
Answer “I’m good” like it’s rehearsed
While my chest keeps carrying the worst
I laugh on cue, I play my part
Stuff the ache deep in my cart
In the mirror, I look whole
Behind the glass, I lose control
[Pre-Chorus]
Don’t ask twice
I’ll change the subject
I keep it light
That’s my method
One more nod
One more “I’m fine”
I fold the hurt
Right out of sight
[Chorus]
Don’t let it show
Don’t let it show
I’m breaking slow
But I won’t show
Keep it clean
Keep it sweet
Hide the bruise
Under my sleeve
Don’t let it show
Don’t let it show
(I’m holding on) I won’t let it show
[Verse 2]
Text back quick, leave no room
Hide the storm behind perfume
At dinner I can pass for calm
Cutting pain with polished palms
They say “You seem so unbothered”
I nod and swallow, even harder
Truth sits heavy in my throat
I wear my silence like a coat
[Pre-Chorus]
Don’t ask twice
I’ll change the subject
I keep it light
That’s my method
One more nod
One more “I’m fine”
I fold the hurt
Right out of sight
[Chorus]
Don’t let it show
Don’t let it show
I’m breaking slow
But I won’t show
Keep it clean
Keep it sweet
Hide the bruise
Under my sleeve
Don’t let it show
Don’t let it show
(I’m holding on) I won’t let it show
[Bridge]
If I bend, don’t break me
If I slip, don’t make me
Say the words I can’t yet say
I’m still here, just halfway
Let me cry where no one sees
Let me breathe between the pleas
I’m not gone, I’m just low
I need time to let it go
[Final Chorus]
Don’t let it show
Don’t let it show
I’m breaking slow
But I won’t show
Keep it clean
Keep it sweet
Hide the bruise
Under my sleeve
Don’t let it show
Don’t let it show
(Stay with me) I’m trying not to let it show

Hip hop-pop with female vocals, laid-back swung drums and punchy sub hits; verse rides sparse keys and tight hi-hats, pre-chorus opens with rising synth haze and stacked doubles, chorus lands on a chanty hook with handclaps and octave support. Include ad-lib echoes, breathy doubles, and a filtered lift into the bridge. Bright, glossy top end with an intimate close-mic center., pop, hip hop, rap