The Exit Strategy

Name: The Exit Strategy
Duration: 215 s
Manublueeyes
0 plays·1 likes·3:34
Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Two decades deep in a war I didn't start
Trying to find a map through the chambers of your heart.
I’ve spent twenty years trying to find a way to "be"
But the version that you wanted wasn't ever really me.
I carried your warnings like stones inside my coat
"Don’t ruin my life," was the only note you wrote.
I was the anchor, then I was the blame
Now I’m just a girl who’s tired of the game.

[Pre-Chorus]
I’m stepping off the pedestal you built out of spite
I’m tired of being the villain in your story every night.
If my existence is the fire that burns your bridges down
Then I’ll take my matches and I’ll leave this ghost town.

[Chorus]
I’m finally accepting that I’ll never be enough
Your version of "mother" was always far too rough.
So I’m stopping the damage, I’m letting you go
I won’t "destroy" the life that you value so.
I’m moving to the margins, I’m living for myself
Put the daughter you hated on the highest dusty shelf.
The battle is over, the white flag is high
I’m saving my own life… by saying goodbye.

[Verse 2]
Twenty is a lonely age to realize the truth
That I wasted all my magic and I wasted all my youth
Trying to prove I’m worthy of a seat at your table
But you only love me when I’m broken or unable.
You said I was a burden, a shadow on your floor
So I’m taking the shadow and I’m heading for the door.

[Bridge]
(Vocals become haunting and layered, echoing)
No more apologies for the space that I take
No more fixing the glass that you wanted to break.
You can have your peace, you can have your man
I’m building a world with my own two hands.
It’s a mystery to you how I’m standing so tall
When you spent twenty years waiting for me to fall.

[Chorus]
I’m finally accepting that I’ll never be enough
Your version of "mother" was always far too rough.
So I’m stopping the damage, I’m letting you go
I won’t "destroy" the life that you value so.
I’m moving to the margins, I’m living for myself
Put the daughter you hated on the highest dusty shelf.
The battle is over, the white flag is high
I’m saving my own life… by saying goodbye.

[Outro]
(The beat drops out, leaving only a cold, dark synth)
I’m not the storm anymore.
I’m just the girl who left.
Live your life, Mother…
I’m finally living mine.
(Sound of a door clicking shut, followed by silence)