I thought my heart was pure,

I slept without a grudge.

I wished the ones around me

Were gentle that’s the cure.

I gave without a reason,

I trusted every smile.

But in that kindness,

I learned I was a fool.

They took before I spoke,

They smiled to see me fall.

Exploitation, exploitation,

You gave me pain.

Exploitation, exploitation,

You gave me shame.

Now my heart is dark,

That’s what they all say.

They call me cold and ruthless

When I finally push away.

I speak without a care now,

My words are sharp and dry.

I barely ever sleep,

Feels like I’m standing in the rain.

I wasn’t born this way,

I learned it just to stay.

Respect, respect,

I got it when I broke.

Respect, respect,

When I got too hard to hold.

I didn’t get it when I was pure,

When I carried everyone’s weight.

Why do people love the cruel

But laugh at an open face?

Why, oh people, why?

The harsher the heart, the more it’s praised.

The kinder the soul, the more it’s played.

That’s the truth I know,

That’s the lesson I paid.

I lost my light

Just to earn respect.

What a shame.