Behind these Emerald Gates

Verse 1

I say I’m good before you ask
Like I’ve already rehearsed the line
Smile just enough to pass
Like everything’s fine

You look at me like you believe me
And I don’t know how that could be
How do I look so put together
When I’m coming apart at the seams?

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Pre-Chorus

I keep it tucked behind my teeth
Hoping nothing slips out
I can make it through the moment
I must pretend I’m strong enough

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Chorus

Behind these emerald gates
I say everything’s okay
While my mind is running circles
I can’t find a way to escape

You see calm, you see control
You don’t see what it takes
To hold myself together
Behind these emerald gates

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Verse 2

I overthink every second, every day
Replaying every word I should have changed
Convincing myself you hate me
Over something in my head

I nod along, I laugh it off
Like it didn’t hit too deep
But I’m carrying the weight of it
Long after you leave

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Pre-Chorus 2

If I let it show for one second
Would you see me differently?
Or would you turn into someone
Who wouldn’t stay with me?

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Bridge

I don’t know how to be honest
Without it scaring you away
So I filter every feeling
Till there’s nothing real to say

And I hate the way you trust me
While I’m hiding everything
But it’s easier to lose myself
Than risk losing anything

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Final Chorus

Behind these emerald gates
I’m barely holding shape
You see someone steady
But I’m one breath from the break

You see calm, you see control
But it’s all I can create
Just to keep you from seeing
Behind these emerald gates

Emotional indie pop, minimal, soft piano, intimate female vocals, raw, vulnerable, conversational tone