**[Verse 1]**
I laughed a little too late again
Like the joke landed after the wound
Kept my hands busy counting seconds
So I wouldn’t count the truth
Every scene fades out politely
Like damage politely ignored
I learned to bow when I’m bleeding
And thank the crowd for more
**[Pre-Chorus]**
Say it soft, say it sweet
If I sound okay, I might be
Everyone loves a voice that smiles
Through its teeth
---
### **[Chorus A – False / Happy / Major Key]**
*(bright, airy, almost idol-pop)*
It’s okay! I’m doing great
Look at me, I’m wide awake
Everything worked out just fine
I’m right on time, I’m right on time
Clap your hands, don’t ask why
Roll the credits, wave goodbye
Nothing hurts if I say it right
I’m alright, I’m alright
---
**[Verse 2]**
I practiced that hook in the mirror
Till it stopped sounding like a lie
Learned which notes make people cheer
When I’m barely getting by
Every favor turned conditional
Every love had fine print
I paid the cost in installments
Now I’m maxed on interest
**[Pre-Chorus]**
Sing it clean, sing it light
Keep the mess outside the mic
If they dance, they won’t hear
What I hide
---
### **[Chorus A – Repeat / Brighter]**
*(even sweeter, stacked harmonies)*
It’s okay! I’m doing great
Promise me you won’t look straight
If you squint, it all aligns
I’m right on time, I’m right on time
Spin around, pastel sky
Cut to black, don’t ask why
Nothing’s wrong if the song’s alive
I’m alright, I’m alright
---
**[Bridge – Drop / Reality Bleeds In]**
*(tempo strips back, voice cracks through effects)*
This went further than I planned
I don’t know how to keep the act
I don’t know who I’m waving at
When the ending’s still intact
I kept smiling past the cut
Till the cut learned how to talk
Now the truth is clearing its throat
In the dark
---
### **[Chorus B – Swap / Minor Key / Exposed]**
*(same melody, new meaning)*
It’s not okay, I just got good
At sounding like I always could
Everything costs more than time
I paid in pieces, line by line
Clap your hands, don’t look back
The screen is bright, my chest is black
I said “I’m fine” to keep it light
I’m not alright—
I’m not alright
---
**[Outro – Soft / Detached]**
*(gentle, almost lullaby)*
The ending theme keeps playing on
Like nothing bad was ever done
If you’re still smiling, that’s okay
I’ll sit here through the fade
extra_unbearable
