I Should’ve Said No (But I Survived)

If I’d known how this would end

I’d have shut that door for good

Would’ve saved my name from being dragged

Through what you called love

I was building something honest

With calloused hands and open trust

You were building exits quietly

While I was building us

Now I see it clear as day

Some truths come late

I should’ve said no

When my spirit said slow

Should’ve listened to the warning

In the silence you showed

But I survived the fall

I didn’t fold

Now the only dream I carry

Is giving my kids a life of gold

And if something ever happens to me

And they ask you why you let me go

You’ll have to live forever

Knowing you broke the heart

Of a good man who loved you whole

I opened every door for you

Never kept a score with you

Stood between you and the world

Like a man’s supposed to do

But loyalty ain’t loyalty

If it only stands one way

And I won’t apologize

For walking out of pain

You mistook my kindness for weak

Now I’m stronger than you think

I should’ve said no

When the red flags flew

Should’ve seen the truth

In the things you wouldn’t do

But I survived the storm

I outgrew

Now my babies are the reason

I refuse to lose

And if heaven calls my name too soon

And they’re asking what went wrong

You’ll hear their voices in your silence

Long after I’m gone

Bridge (Dark, stripped down — almost spoken first line)

Regret don’t fade easy

It settles in your chest

And one day when you’re alone

You’ll replay what you wrecked

A man who would’ve died for you

Instead learned how to live

And that’s the kind of loss

Time don’t forgive

Yeah I should’ve said no

But I stand here now

Still breathing, still building

Still making my kids proud

You didn’t break me

You revealed me

Stronger than I ever knew

And the pain you handed me

Turned into fuel

So if they ever ask about you

I won’t speak in spite or cold

I’ll just say some people lose

The best love they’ll ever hold

I should’ve said no…

But I survived

And I’m better now.