Supposed to be my father

You swore you'd catch me

Swore you'd keep me from the dark

Held my hand at crosswalks

Said you'd die before you'd see me scarred

But your voice got quieter

And your eyes got cold

Promises curdled

Like a story told

You were supposed to be my protector

You were supposed to be my blood

You were supposed to be my father

But you dragged me through the mud

You were supposed to guard my heartbeat

Hold it gentle

Hold it tight

You were supposed to be my shelter

But instead you tried to take my life

I learned every exit

Mapped the creak in every stair

Counted breaths in the hallway

Prayed the floor stayed bare

You said I was nothing

Till I almost believed

Every bruise had a reason

Every tear you never seemed to see

You were supposed to be my protector

You were supposed to be my guide

You were supposed to be my father

But you chose your rage

Your pride

You were supposed to guard my heartbeat

Keep the monsters from my sight

You were supposed to be my shelter

But instead you tried to take my life

I am not your silence (no)

I am not your shame

I walk out of your shadow now

You don't get my name

You were supposed to be my protector

But I learned to stand alone

You were supposed to be my father

Now I build my own home

I'll guard every fragile heartbeat

Mine is burning

Burning bright

You were supposed to be my shelter

But you don't get to take my life