Shoelaces Untied

[pop_rock, pop_punk, alternative_rock, early_2000s, melodic, guitar_driven, mid_tempo, reflective_slightly_edgy, radio_friendly, moderate_energy] [Prompt by ThrumFeed.com] [Verse 1] You show up late with your story half-ready Phone face down, like that’s supposed to help You laugh too loud at things that aren’t funny Like you’re practicing being someone else Your friends keep watching, waiting for a slip-up I’m counting cracks in the sidewalk instead You say I’m quiet, ask me what I’m thinking I say nothing, and that’s what I meant [Pre-Chorus] You don’t notice when you change your tone Like it’s just how things go I keep smoothing it over Like it’s normal, I know [Chorus] Why you gotta make it harder than it is Every time we get close, you twist it I’m right here, not asking for a show Just talk to me like you do when nobody’s home Why you gotta turn simple into tense Say one thing, then you’re back on the fence I’m not asking you to be someone new Just stop acting like I don’t know you [Verse 2] You swear you’re fine, then you roll your eyes When I ask how your day’s been going You say it’s nothing, but you keep it going Like I’m supposed to read between You joke around when it gets too honest Pull back right when it feels too real I’m standing still in this conversation Waiting for you to mean what you feel [Pre-Chorus] You say I take things way too wrong Like I hear another song But you change the rhythm Then act like I’m the one off-beat all along [Chorus] Why you gotta make it harder than it is Every time we get close, you twist it I’m right here, not asking for a show Just talk to me like you do when nobody’s home Why you gotta turn simple into tense Say one thing, then you’re back on the fence I’m not asking you to be someone new Just stop acting like I don’t know you [Bridge] I see you loosen up when I walk away Like the pressure finally left the room Funny how you’re clearer when I’m not there Guess that tells me something true [Chorus] Why you gotta make it harder than it is Every time we get close, you twist it I’m right here, not asking for a show Just talk to me like you do when nobody’s home Why you gotta turn simple into tense Say one thing, then you’re back on the fence I’m not asking you to be someone new Just stop acting like I don’t know you [Outro] Untie your shoes, you’re tripping yourself I’m tired of chasing what you won’t say I’m right here, same as I’ve been When you’re done getting in your own way