[Verse 1 – Child’s Voice] You sat beside me on the edge of the bed, Said, “Don’t be scared, it’s all in your head.” You tucked me in, turned out the light, Said, “I’ll stay here, you’ll be alright.” You knew my dreams, my stuffed-up bear, Said, “I love you, I’ll always care.” I trusted you ‘cause grown folks know, That’s what kids believe… that’s what I was told. [Chorus – Soft, almost whispered] You were my friendly monster, gentle and kind, With careful hands and a smiling lie. You hid your shadow where I couldn’t see, You wore love like a disguise on me. You were my safety, my closest friend— I didn’t know that’s how the darkness gets in. [Verse 2 – Child Fading / Growing Older] You said, “This is just between us two,” Said, “They wouldn’t get it like I do.” Your voice stayed low, the room went still, My chest went tight against my will. I learned to nod, I learned to freeze, Learned how silence feels like peace. I didn’t scream, I didn’t run— I was just a kid… I was too young. [Chorus – Slightly stronger] You were my friendly monster, hiding in plain sight, Standing in the day, living in the night. You didn’t need rage, you didn’t need hate, Just trust and time and a locked-up gate. You were my safety, my closest friend— I didn’t know that’s how the darkness wins. [Verse 3 – Adult Survivor] Now I hear that child when the room’s too quiet, Every cracked breath I learned to hide. I carried your secret, I carried your shame, Wore it like it ever belonged to my name. But love don’t wound and love don’t steal, And love don’t tell a kid what to feel. I see you clear in the light of day, You weren’t confused — you chose your way. [Bridge – Just Voice & Guitar, Let It Break] I was a child — say it slow, That truth’s the weight you’ll always hold. You don’t get my silence anymore, I’m not that kid behind that door. [Final Chorus – Quiet but Steady] You were the friendly monster, but I survived, I grew a voice where fear lived inside. You don’t get my past, my breath, my pain, I cut your shadow from my name. You were my safety, my closest friend— But I lived… And that’s how monsters end. [Outro – Almost Spoken] I was small. I was scared. But I’m still here. And you don’t own me.