Family Trauma

Lyrics

FAMILY DRAMA Family Trauma — A Dark Musical Comedy [Intro – Playful piano, sarcastic theatrical vocals] Family drama, Family trauma, Nobody takes accountability! Period! No comma! We break the cycle every day, By changing the subject and looking away, Then wondering why the problems stay. We act real pleasant to maintain the status quo, But mention what happened and it's WHOA, WHOA, WHOA! [Verse 1 – Mocking, exaggerated sympathy] You have problems, Clearly you're the issue. I hope you get the help you need, I'll just pretend to cry! Where's the tissue? Therapy is wonderful, We strongly recommend it! For you, not us, We'd rather DIE than attend it! Don't mention my mood swings, Or possible mental illness! That's rude, invasive, judgmental! Can we return to stillness? Anyway, Grandma's ex-husband Was an abusive fucking prick! But don't tell Grandma I said that! JESUS CHRIST! ARE YOU SICK?! [Verse 2 – Generational Trauma] Yes, I see the pattern, And yes, I did repeat it, But calling it generational trauma Feels unnecessarily conceited. Let's call it family drama, That sounds considerably lighter! TRAUMA! Needs accountability! And DRAMA! Just needs a writer! Your brother sure has issues, But really, don't we all? And if everybody has a problem, Then nobody's at fault! [Piano abruptly stops] That's not how that works. DON'T WE ALL?! [Chorus – Full theatrical ensemble] Family drama! Family trauma? It's just drama! Period! Period! Definitely no comma! We've tried nothing whatsoever, Oh gee, it's still not getting better! Anxiety? Taboo! Addiction? Not our jurisdiction! Depression? Change the direction! Accountability?! What's that? What do you mean my apologies fall flat?! [Piano flourish] Why does everything need a label? Can't we just sweep it under the table? Why can't we just be ourselves?! SURE! IGNORE WHAT WE DID! HIDE IT ON THE SHELVES! Let it collect dust, No need to be therapized! There's nothing wrong with me, And I'm certainly not full of lies! [Verse 3 – Escalating chaos] Bring it up again, And we'll have a conniption, Then rewrite the story, What a family tradition! Diagnose your tone, Your motives and diction, Avoid all self-reflection! I'm worried about your anger! This isn't you! What's justified anger?! HEY! Can we discuss your problems too?! NO! I'M SLAMMING THAT DOOR! Just keep hiding from the screaming, And don't bring it up again! It's a little demeaning! Who cares about the rage?! Don't put our business On the fucking stage! It's all your fault! Now for the love of god flip the page! Or I'll call your psychiatrist, And tell him you're the problem! While my child's sitting right there, Living with the problems that I caused them! I pretend I know what's best, I'll make them the problem on a whim! Then call it loving parenting, While pointing every finger back at them! [Final Chorus – Darkly cheerful, building intensity] Family drama, Family trauma, Nothing screams healing Like emotional armor! Keep it buried, Keep it pleasant, Smile politely in the present! Because nothing says healthy family Quite like everyone agreeing! WE'VE GOT NO DYSFUNCTION! NOW STOP THE FUCKING PRODUCTION! [Outro – Slowing piano, exhausted sarcasm] Family drama, Family trauma, Accountability? Period. No comma. Break the cycle? Absolutely! Just quietly, And preferably... Without involving me. [Final piano flourish] Without involving me.