Mask On

Yeah…

I ain’t sad enough to cry

But I ain’t alive enough to feel alive either

⸻

Wake up tired like I worked all night

But the only thing I fought was my own damn mind

Ceiling fan spinning like the thoughts in my head

Same old questions when I get outta bed

Who am I really when the lights ain’t on?

Why do I feel like I’ve been gone so long?

I show up, shake hands, say “I’m good, I’m straight”

Whole time feelin’ like I showed up late

To my own damn life, like I missed my cue

Smile so real even I think it’s true

Practice that laugh, keep it locked in place

Whole world sees it — nobody sees my face

⸻

I got the mask on, playin’ my role

Say I’m fine but I’m losing my soul

I’m in the room but I’m not really there

Talkin’ to people who don’t really care

I’m so tired of being tired

No fire left, no desire

I keep walkin’ like I’m strong

But I don’t feel nothin’ for so long

⸻

Under-appreciated, understated

Overthinkin’ every word I stated

Do my best, it evaporates

Like effort only resonates in empty space

Family loves me, yeah I know that’s facts

But outside that circle? Silence talks back

I don’t need applause, don’t need the crown

Just wanna feel like I ain’t background

Ain’t suicidal, just feelin’ stuck

Like neutral gear and I’m outta luck

Even things I love don’t hit the same

Used to feel passion — now it’s just a name

Tell me why I gotta fake my grin

So nobody asks how I’ve really been

’Cause if I’m honest, I might fall through

And I don’t know who would catch me… do you?

⸻

I got the mask on, playin’ my role

Say I’m fine but I’m losing my soul

Surrounded by noise, still alone

Like a ghost in a house that ain’t my home

I’m so tired of being tired

No spark left in the wire

I keep breathin’, that’s about it

Heartbeat don’t mean I feel lit

⸻

I don’t want pity

Don’t want sympathy

Just wanna wake up

With some energy

Just wanna feel like

This life is mine

Not just somethin’

I survive

⸻

Mask on… every damn day

Say I’m fine, let it fade away

If you see me smilin’, just know it’s skin

I’m just real damn good at pretendin’