Claustrophobic Mirror

[Intro] In this small room, the walls murmur doubt Dust motes drift like whispers I can’t shout [Verse 1] I tidy up the truth I’m told to hide Crumbs of pride, suspended on the side A clock that bites with every glance I seek Approval echoes, fragile, thin, and weak [Pre-Chorus] But the door stays closed to the voice inside I trade my pace for a counterfeit smile [Chorus] Somewhere outside I’m praised for what I wear and show But in this space I’m hollow, breathing slow I need the praise to breathe, I need the shade to hide Desire to be seen, yet I’m stuck inside [Verse 2] The couch becomes a throne for self-doubt’s throne room The ceiling fan spins rumors of impending doom I polish the filter I pretend to be A version polished clean enough to please [Pre-Chorus] I guard my flaws with a lacquered grace While silence plants more lines upon my face [Chorus] Somewhere outside I’m praised for what I wear and show But in this space I’m hollow, breathing slow I need the praise to breathe, I need the shade to hide Desire to be seen, yet I’m stuck inside [Bridge] If I close my eyes, can I break the code I’ve made? If I raise my voice, will the mirror fade away? [Chorus] Somewhere outside I’m praised for what I wear and show But in this space I’m hollow, breathing slow I need the praise to breathe, I need the shade to hide Desire to be seen, yet I’m stuck inside [Outro] So I breathe in the clutter, let the doubt unwind Hold onto the thread that whispers: you’re not confined