Behind the Mask

Verse 1

I learned how to smile

While my chest caved in

Painted over heartache

With a practiced grin

Masking the pain

Like it don’t show on my skin

Verse 2

I learned young how to read a room

How to stay where I wasn’t seen

How to need somebody

And never say what I mean

I’ve been strong for everybody else

‘Til it hollowed me

Pre-Chorus

I ain’t cold, I’m just tired of bleeding,

I still believe in love, I just stopped reaching.

Been broken so long it feels like home,

But I still want arms I can lean on.

I just want love I can show my kids,

Something real they ain’t gotta question.

Chorus

Behind the mask, I hold it together

Smile through the cracks, no matter the weather

I wear strength like it’s all I have

Behind the mask, I carry the past

Love me soft, make it last.

Bridge

Don’t confuse my silence

For a heart gone numb

I been loving through survival

Since I was young

If I seem guarded now

That’s just wisdom setting in

I ain’t closing the door on love

I’m just choosing who gets in

I don’t need saving, I just need safe

Somewhere honest, somewhere I can lay

All this armor down, just for a while

Let somebody love me past the smile

Final Chorus / Outro

I still want love they can see in me

A softer life than the one I’ve known

If I changed, it’s ‘cause I had to be

Just to make sure my kids feel home.