Selfish Little House

[Verse 1]
I kept a little throne beside the sink
And called it self-care when I wouldn’t think
You told me what you needed, plain and slow
I nodded like a saint, then stole the show
I know the face I make when I’m caught out
A tragic little prince with a practiced pout

[Pre-Chorus]
Still, I save the seat when someone’s late
I carry groceries up the stairs
I mean it when I say, “You okay?”
Then make the answer about me

[Chorus]
I’ve got a good heart in a selfish little house
It opens up the door, then tries to keep you out
I want to do right by you, I do, I do
Then chase the same old appetite straight through
I’m not cured by seeing what I am
But I can stop, turn back, and try again

[Verse 2]
I gave my last umbrella to a stranger
Then complained all the way home about the danger
I made your hard day into my big reveal
As if my tender feelings paid the bill
I want the gold star, want the warm applause
But I can name the trick without a grand excuse

[Pre-Chorus]
I can listen past the urge to shine
Let your whole sentence reach its end
I don’t get to call myself kind
Unless I practice it again

[Chorus]
I’ve got a good heart in a selfish little house
It opens up the door, then tries to keep you out
I want to do right by you, I do, I do
Then chase the same old appetite straight through
I’m not cured by seeing what I am
But I can stop, turn back, and try again

[Bridge]
No halo, no clean slate, no grand parade
Just one apology that doesn’t ask to be repaid
A hand held open, not a hand held high
Let you be hurt without asking why
And when the old impulse comes dressed up as need
I’ll give it a name, then choose what you need

[Final Chorus]
I’ve got a good heart in a selfish little house
I’m learning how to leave the front door open now
I want to do right by you, I do, I do
And when I miss the mark, I’ll come back through
I’m not cured by seeing what I am
But I can stop, turn back, and try again

[Outro]
Not a saint, not a lost cause
Just a person learning pause
I want to do right by you
So tomorrow, I’ll try to