You wanted compliance, silence, and imitation,
You wanted compliance, silence, and imitation, A perfect little copy for your validation. But I'm not another shadow standing under your light, I'm not a broken machine you can program right. You can tighten any chain, You can blame and accuse, But the person you want to see doesn't answer to my name! I'm getting smaller just to fit into your view, Cutting pieces off myself so I could look complete to you. No one gathers the shards you scatter across the floor, And I'm building something stronger than I've ever been before. I hear your voice through the walls, Telling me I'm bound to fall. But every scar beneath my skin reminds me where my strength began. I'll bend but not break, I won't live in your shadow. You can't keep the plan you've made for me — I'm breaking free from these chains! I've swallowed every word, And now my power screams! I'd rather lose it all tonight Than become what you prefer! No more pressure, no more chains, No longer living in your shadow! Are you trying to break me? Try pulling up my roots! No, I will not be who you want to see! I'll bend but not break, I WILL NOT BREAK! I won't live in your shadow! Why? Why?! You can't keep the plan you've made for me — I'm breaking free from these chains! I've swallowed every word, And now your power screams! My power screams! I'd rather lose it all tonight Than become what you prefer! Become what you prefer... I'm not the dream you designed, I'm not the fear in your eyes. For the first time, I finally see clearly! I don't need your permission To become who I am meant to be! This is my identity!