You don't have to be strong

Lyrics

I see behind that perfect painted smile
I know you've been performing for a while
I won't pretend I don't see what's beneath
The girl who's carrying oceans while she breathes

I've watched you hold the world without a sound
Stay graceful every time life knocked you down
You built those walls - I won't climb over them
I'll just stay outside and wait for you to win

Take all the time you need
I'm not going anywhere
I hear what you're not saying
And I promise - I'll still be there

You're fine - but it's okay if you're not fine today
You don't have to wear that mask for me to stay
You're strong - and I'll be strong right here beside you too
I'll be your peace of mind and a safe space made for you
I won't rush you, won't fix you
Just walk with you through the haze
You're not broken - you're just healing
And I love you either way

I know some days you feel too much, some days too numb
And love in the past arrived with pain attached - I know where you're from
I won't pretend that I can read you like a book
But I'll be patient, I'll be present - however long it took

A love that doesn't wound you when it holds
A hand you don't have to let go
I'm not here to save you - just to stay
So you can finally feel safe

I know they counted you out
But I count every step you've made
I see that fire you carry
And girl, I'm not afraid
You didn't come this far
To disappear in the dark

I see you - really see you
Not the girl you pretend to be
I see the one who kept going
And she is everything to me

You're fine - no, actually, I know you're not
And every single thing that life forgot - I haven't forgot
You're strong - and even when you're tired, so am I for you
I want to give you peace of mind, a safe space, and to win too
I won't rush you, won't fix you
Just let you find your way
You're not broken - you're just healing

And one day - we'll both be okay

She wants her peace of mind
She wants her safe space
Done just surviving
She's running her own race

She came to win
and I'll be there when she does.