[Verse 1 – soft, watery, intimate] I built a house out of glass ceilings Lived in it like it was safe for me Every mirror telling me I’m winning But I’m breaking under what they see I tied my worth to every heartbeat Every goal I didn’t reach yet Smiling like I’m made of gold But I’m rusting under all this pressure (I’m rusting) [Pre-Chorus – lift, anxious shimmer] I keep swimming in circles Where the shoreline even is now (where am I?) I keep telling myself I’m fine Feel the water in my lungs now (can’t breathe) [Chorus – big, glossy, metaphor hook] I’m drowning in expectations Set by me, not even you I built this boat, I named it “perfect” Then I drilled holes clean through (what did I do?) I’m waving like I’m on vacation While I’m sinking out of view (don’t look down) I’m drowning in expectations In a boat I sank myself into (I did this) [Verse 2 – more personal, self-aware] I chase a version of me that’s flawless Like she exists if I just work harder Every mistake feels like a headline Every failure makes me smaller I say “one day I’ll finally breathe” But I’m holding it way too long (too long) I don’t know who I’m doing this for But I keep writing the same damn song [Pre-Chorus – repeat, heavier] I keep swimming in circles Where the shoreline even is now (where am I?) I keep telling myself I’m fine Feel the water in my lungs now (can’t breathe) [Chorus – repeat, fuller, euphoric-sad] I’m drowning in expectations Set by me, not even you I built this boat, I named it “perfect” Then I drilled holes clean through (what did I do?) I’m waving like I’m on vacation While I’m sinking out of view (don’t look down) I’m drowning in expectations In a boat I sank myself into (I did this) [Bridge – stripped, underwater, devastating] Nobody pushed me in the ocean I walked in on my own (on my own) Nobody tied me to these standards I did that all alone I keep saying “just one more mile” Till I collapse in the tide (I’m tired) I don’t need someone to save me I need to stop being my own enemy (it’s me) [Final Chorus – biggest, emotional release] I’m drowning in expectations Set by me, not even you I built this boat, I named it “perfect” Then I drilled holes clean through (what did I do?) I’m waving like I’m on vacation While I’m sinking out of view (don’t look down) I’m drowning in expectations In a boat I sank myself into (I did this) [Outro – soft, floating, unresolved] I built this boat to take me somewhere Now I’m learning how to swim (learning now) I built this boat to prove I’m worthy Now I’m letting myself live