14. Don’t Smile When You Say It

[vocal full_bodied_gritty_lead restrained_verses forceful_chorus_attack clear_enunciation] [instrumentation gritty_low_mid_electric_guitars centered_bass dry_punchy_drums steady_backbeat] [production restrained_verses hard_widening_choruses stripped_bridge final_eruption raw_spontaneous_dynamics] [groove mid_tempo_driving human_band_pocket slight_timing_friction] [Verse 1] Your hand on my shoulder Thumb pressing through denim You tilt your head like you’re helping Say it slow so I understand Badge pressed flat to my chest Clipboard tucked to your side “You’re doing great,” you tell me You don’t blink when you say it [Pre-Chorus] You call it harmless advice You say it like I owe you thanks [Chorus] Don’t smile when you say it Like I should take it soft Don’t smile when you say it Like I don’t know the cost Don’t smile when you say it [Verse 2] Your laugh sticks in the doorway Mint on your breath when you lean in You tap the list with your pen Cross out the lines you don’t like I grip the neck of my guitar Pick splits skin at my thumb You talk over what I just said You don’t blink when you say it [Pre-Chorus] You call it harmless advice You say it like I owe you thanks [Chorus] Don’t smile when you say it Like I should take it soft Don’t smile when you say it Like I don’t know the cost Don’t smile when you say it [Bridge] You stand close enough to guide me Far enough not to own it [Final Chorus] Don’t smile when you say it Don’t smile when you say it Like I don’t know the cost Don’t smile when you say it