Lyric

No one ever told me how to play this game

Another meeting, I couldn’t raise my hand

No one said “Don’t,” yet I stayed silent

Invisible walls built by everyone’s gaze

I thought that was the only way

But wait—who set these rules

That make it hard to breathe?

Boss’s furrowed brow, a colleague’s unsure smile

All different signs, yet the same outcome

They call it “the atmosphere,” but where is it?

I try to hold it, yet it slips through my fingers

This unseen center we all obey—

A phantom no one has ever touched

What is it we’re afraid of?

Silence is “no,” a smile is “yes,”

No one taught us this, yet we try to read it

Chasing answers that don’t exist

Searching for perfection in everyone’s face

On the last train home, I finally see

We all wear the same expression

Is this kindness we protect

By staying quiet really kindness?

Or just a shield to save ourselves?

The “atmosphere” is just what we made

There’s nothing to fear anymore

True conversation carries risk

But courage in imperfect words

Can start something new

Tomorrow, I’ll raise my hand at the meeting

Even if my voice shakes, I’ll say

“I don’t agree.”

One phrase could change everything

Stepping out from the invisible cage

Imperfect words weaving new meaning

No need for a phantom center

Because we are here