Cathedral of Teeth

Lyrics

[Verse 1] I learned to pray with my mouth sewn shut, Counting every wound like a rosary cut. You left your fingerprints under my skin, So I built you an altar And worshipped the ache within. Every word you buried inside of me Became another stone in the sanctuary. I called it strength when I learned not to bleed, But the walls started breathing, And the walls started feeding on me. **[Pre-Chorus]** I kept the wolves outside, But never asked what lived within. Now something wears my face And whispers through my teeth again. **[Chorus]** I built a cathedral from the teeth Of everything that tried to eat me alive. Raised every pillar from the pieces of me That somehow refused to die. Now the bells ring out like warning signs, And every stained-glass saint has my eyes. I built a cathedral from the teeth— But I don't know If I'm protected Or trapped inside. **[Verse 2]** I made a throne from the bones of trust, Covered it in gold so it wouldn't look like rust. I wore my scars like ceremonial robes, While something underneath them Kept tightening its hold. You asked me once why I never let you near. How do I explain that love sounds like fear? Every open hand looks like another blade, So I smile like salvation While quietly backing away. **[Pre-Chorus]** I kept the wolves outside, But never saw the ones I fed. Now they're sleeping at the altar, Curled around my bed. **[Chorus]** I built a cathedral from the teeth Of everything that tried to eat me alive. Raised every pillar from the pieces of me That somehow refused to die. Now the bells ring out like warning signs, And every stained-glass saint has my eyes. I built a cathedral from the teeth— But I don't know If I'm protected Or trapped inside. **[Bridge] [Quiet Intimate]** If I tear it down, What remains of me? If pain was the mortar Between every memory, If anger was the fire That kept my heart beating, Tell me— Who am I When I no longer need The thing that saved me? Who am I Without an enemy? **[Build]** I hear the choir— *"Stay."* I hear the doorway— *"Run."* I hear every version of myself Becoming one. **[Breakdown]** NO MORE ALTARS. NO MORE KNEELING. NO MORE CALLING THIS A HOLY FEELING. I AM NOT THE HOUSE THAT MY SUFFERING BUILT. I AM NOT YOUR DAMAGE. I AM NOT YOUR GUILT. **[Heavy Chorus]** I built a cathedral from the teeth Of everything that tried to eat me alive. But I am ripping every pillar from the earth, Letting daylight flood inside. Let the bells collapse. Let the stained glass break. Let every false god tremble in my wake. I built a cathedral from the teeth— **AND NOW I'M TEARING IT DOWN.** **[Final Breakdown]** Brick by brick. Bone by bone. I would rather stand in ruins Than call this prison home. Take the crown. Take the throne. If surviving made me monstrous— Then I'll choose What I become. **[Outro Soft]** Morning crawls across the floor Where the altar used to be. And for the first time There is nothing between The light... And me.