Bruised Scales, Heavy Horns

[Verse 1]
You said I was lucky
To ever be loved by you
Turned my heart into homework
I could never get through
Blended lines
Blended babies
Still you kept separate rules
Smiled at the Sunday table
Then called me weak and a fool
[Chorus]
You keep breaking my bruised scales
Twisting truth till I doubt myself
Every promise comes with price tags
Love on layaway on your shelf
I’ve been bending
I’ve been bleeding
Just to prove that I belong
But I’m done living inside your storm
I’m teaching my heart a different song
[Verse 2]
You weigh every favor
Count every scar in my hands
Say that the kids turned out perfect
So I should stick to your plan
You play the rock
Play the victim
In the very same breath
I play the peace for the children
While you gamble my self-respect
[Chorus]
You keep breaking my bruised scales
Twisting truth till I doubt myself
Every promise comes with price tags
Love on layaway on your shelf
I’ve been bending
I’ve been bleeding
Just to prove that I belong
But I’m done living inside your storm
I’m teaching my heart a different song
[Bridge]
For over twenty long years
I made excuses for your rage
But our babies watch me shrinking
Learning how to set their weight
I want them seeing me stronger
Not a shadow at your feet (no more)
I’ll raise them in a house
Where love don’t need receipts
[Chorus]
You won’t be breaking these bruised scales
I’m reclaiming what I once shelved
Every step I take toward the door
Feels like I’m finding myself
I’ve been bending
I’ve been bleeding
Now I’m choosing to move on
I’m done living inside your storm
I’m singing my heart a different song

Smoky R&B soul ballad, mid‑tempo groove. Warm Rhodes and muted guitar, deep bass, rimshot drums. Female vocals front and center, stacking harmories on the hook; soft male backing ad‑libs in the bridge. Verses stay intimate and conversational, chorus swells with churchy pads and subtle string swells. Roomy reverb and tape saturation for a lived‑in, late‑night feel., soul