Shattered Behind The Smile

In a world of masks, I wear mine with grace A fragile facade, a heart in a secret place The weight of the world, a burden to bear A soul that's shattered, like a mirror beyond repair Tired of the fake smiles, the empty air Tired of pretending all is well, when I'm dying inside, shell by shell The hurt runs deep, a constant, gnawing ache From those I love, the ones who should make my heart feel safe Fear holds me back, a prisoner of shame Afraid to show, the true extent of the pain Afraid to be seen, as weak and broken Afraid to let go, and be unspoken Oh, the freedom to be me, without the mask To let my true emotions, like a river, flow and pass To be raw and honest, to be real and true To find acceptance, in a world that's new But until then, I'll wear this disguise A cloak of strength, a heart that compromises And though it's hard, I'll hold on to hope A glimmer of light, in a dark and endless scope Please let this all end, let me be free Let me breathe, let me rest, wild and carelessly Let me lay down my armor, my shield Let me be vulnerable, let my heart yield I am tired of the masks I wear Tired of the fake smiles, the empty air Tired of pretending all is well When the truth is, I'm dying inside