I smile for the camera, play along

Say “I’m happy,” like nothing’s wrong

Watched them hand out every prize

Clapped my hands and told no lies

I’ve stood in shadows, gave my best

But they just called the names I guessed

And it’s not about the fame or lights

Just wanted someone to say, “You’re right…”

But I’m never the one they write songs about

Always the echo, never the shout

Tryna be brave with a lump in my throat

Telling myself, “It’s fine, just let it go”

Every “almost” sticks to my skin

Feels like I lose before I begin

Oh, maybe I’m strong—or maybe I’m done

Tired of never… never being the one

⸻

I show up even when it hurts

Dress my dreams in borrowed shirts

They sparkle when I dim my light

Guess I was built for silent fights

They ask me how I stay so sweet

When I keep bleeding at their feet

And it’s not the trophies, not the stage

I just wanna matter—on some page

But I’m never the one they write songs about

Always the echo, never the shout

Tryna be brave with a lump in my throat

Telling myself, “It’s fine, just let it go”

Every “almost” sticks to my skin

Feels like I lose before I begin

Oh, maybe I’m strong—or maybe I’m done

Tired of never… never being the one

⸻

There’s beauty in the way I try

Even when the world walks by

So if you see me on that hill

Still climbing, yeah—I’m climbing still

Don’t cheer for me when I’m all fixed

Just hold me now, right in the mix

⸻

Yeah, I’m still here—just cracked, not gone

Still singing soft when the world moves on

Not asking for crowns or cheers or sun

Just a single voice that says—I’m the one

Even if I’m not the one they chose

I’ll be the bloom nobody knows

And if all I get is this aching song

Then maybe I’ll sing it… like I belonged