I See the Frame

[Verse 1]
You queue for the badge and rehearse what to say
I watch from the edge where the rules fray
Your polished reply, your rehearsed little grin
I see where you bend and where you don’t give in

[Pre-Chorus]
I’m not in the picture
So I see the frame
You call it a distance
I call it a name

[Chorus]
Outside, I can choose my own direction
Outside, I can read the room without permission
You build your walls; I see the doors
I take the long way, learn the floors
What looked like exile gave me eyes
I make my own rules, make my own rise

[Verse 2]
You trade every hour for a seat at the table
I leave when the talk turns thin and unstable
I notice who listens, who waits to be seen
Who says what they mean when the room goes quiet between

[Pre-Chorus]
I’m not in the picture
So I see the frame
I learned what you’re hiding
And what you can’t name

[Chorus]
Outside, I can choose my own direction
Outside, I can read the room without permission
You build your walls; I see the doors
I take the long way, learn the floors
What looked like exile gave me eyes
I make my own rules, make my own rise

[Bridge]
No, I don’t need your invitation
I know the cost of imitation
I’ll take the view you left behind
And turn that distance into time

[Final Chorus]
Outside, I can choose my own direction
Outside, I can read the room without permission
You build your walls; I see the doors
I take the long way, learn the floors
What looked like exile gave me eyes
I make my own rules, make my own rise

[Outro]
I see the frame
I choose the way