[Intro]
Tiny tune
Spinning slow
Little light
In your bones
He raised his hand
You froze in place
You called it love
And braced your face
[Verse 1]
Make excuses
“I was in the way”
Trace the bruises
Like they’ll go away
Hide the photos
Delete the logs
Wear long sleeves
Laugh it off
Hear his footsteps
Heartbeat swerve
Girl, that boy
Ain’t what you deserve
[Chorus]
Your boyfriend is not a man if he hits you
That’s a warning, not an issue to fix, you
Are not a toy that he gets to break
Not his punchline, not his mistake
Your boyfriend is not a man if he hits you
That’s the line where the whole thing splits through
You don’t owe him one more chance
Walk away, don’t look back, don’t dance
[Verse 2]
He cries “I’m sorry”
With shaking hands
Sells you stories
You understand
Says his childhood
Made him snap
Says he loves you
After that
But love doesn’t
Make you bleed
Love holds fire
But doesn’t feed
[Chorus]
Your boyfriend is not a man if he hits you
That’s a sentence that could save the kid-you
From growing old in a house of pain
From learning hurt is how you stay
Your boyfriend is not a man if he hits you
If he’s breaking every promise he gives you
You don’t have to prove you’re tough
Leaving him is strong enough
[Bridge]
[Beat drops to music box + low pulse]
Close your eyes
Hear my voice
Soft and slow
You still have choice
Breathe in safety
Breathe out fear
Every breath
Pulls you clear
Repeat after me (quiet)
“I deserve gentle”
Repeat after me (louder)
“I deserve better”
[Chorus]
Your boyfriend is not a man if he hits you
That’s a truth that keeps on cutting, but it’s true
You’re not broken, you’re just done
You’re not guilty, you can run
Your boyfriend is not a man if he hits you
There’s a life that’s waiting there to lift you
Past his anger, past his hands
Take your future, make new plans
[Outro]
[Music box alone, slowing]
Tiny tune
Winding down
You stand up
Leave the house
Whisper low
Like a vow
“He’s not a man
And I’m leaving
Now”