[Verse 1]
You taught me as a kid
"Never raise your hand"
So I tucked all that rage
Somewhere it couldn’t land
Smile at every stranger
Bite down on every word
So gentle on the outside
Inside it’s getting worse
[Pre-Chorus]
Every time I wanna scream
I swallow it instead
Turn the blade around and point it at my chest
[Chorus]
I don't hurt you
I hurt myself
Turn the fire inward
Hide it well
Every sharp thought
Aimed straight at my own shell
If I can't break the world
I’ll split my mind to shreds
I don't hurt you
I hurt myself instead
[Verse 2]
Laugh it off at parties
Make the whole room glow
Then come home to silence
Where the heavy feelings grow
Counting every failure
Like beads between my teeth
You just see my kindness
You don’t see what it keeps
[Pre-Chorus]
Every time I wanna shout
I choke it back again
Make my skin the canvas for the things I can’t explain
[Chorus]
I don't hurt you
I hurt myself
Turn the fire inward
Hide it well
Every sharp thought
Aimed straight at my own shell
If I can't break the world
I’ll split my mind to shreds
I don't hurt you
I hurt myself instead
[Bridge]
Who am I protecting?
Who decided this was fair?
Why is every broken piece
Paid for with my share?
(oh oh)
Maybe there’s a way out
Where my heart can keep its thread
Where I don’t hurt you
And I don’t hurt me instead
[Chorus]
I don't hurt you
I hurt myself
Turn the fire inward
Hide it well
Every sharp thought
Aimed straight at my own shell
If I can't break the world
I’ll learn to love what’s left
I don't hurt you
But I won’t hurt me instead