[Verse 1]
I used to swallow words
Till they sat like stones
Kept my mouth shut tight
Like it was set in bone
Hands in my pockets
Eyes on the floor
You said "be nice"
I let it go before
I learned that silence
Can look like peace
But it eats you up
When you won't release
[Pre-Chorus]
Now my pulse is loud
Yeah, I hear it clear
If I don't speak up
Who gonna steer?
[Chorus]
Say it first
Say it first
I won't fold
I won't hurt myself
Say it first
Say it first
I'm done being small
I'm done being helped
[Verse 2]
I was scared of my own voice
Scared of the shake
Scared my truth would crack
Everything I make
But I watched them take
More than I gave
So I stood my ground
And I broke that cage
Now when I walk in
I take my place
If you cross that line
You'll see my face
[Pre-Chorus]
Now my pulse is loud
Yeah, I hear it clear
If I don't speak up
Who gonna steer?
[Chorus]
Say it first
Say it first
I won't fold
I won't hurt myself
Say it first
Say it first
I'm done being small
I'm done being helped
[Bridge]
[Half-time]
I kept the fear
Like a chain on my tongue
Now I cut it loose
Watch me come undone
Not in a cruel way
Just in a true way
I know my worth now
I don't move away
[Final Chorus]
Say it first
Say it first
I won't fold
I won't hurt myself
Say it first
Say it first
I'm done being small
I'm done being helped
Say it first
Say it first
This time I choose me
This time I won't yield