I came here with melodies, and dreams to sing,

Thought art meant something.

Turns out, I was wrong.

Turns out, silence is loudest here.

London’s cold – not the weather, the stare,

The way people pass like you’re not even there.

I walk through streets like I’m on display,

But no one listens to me, wish they’d look away.

Tube’s packed, no signal, no sound

intrusive thoughts bounce round and round.

Big Ben don’t wait, time just flies

Soho lights are bright, but not my nights.

Every time I’m in this town, I lose a little light,

Dreams don’t land, and nothing feels right.

I tried to run, but still I go

London calls me, even when I say no.

She turned twenty in the V&A,

I skipped lunch just to save that day.

She sips champagne in a rented hall,

I count coins by the shopping mall.

They dress in ease, I dress in doubt,

They laugh too loud, I fade out.

I sing my heart, they look down notes,

I’m screaming inside while adjusting my coat.

“Thanks for coming,” the email said.

I read on, but I try to forget

They heard my voice still turned me away –

Guess I wasn’t the song they’d pay to play.

Every time I’m in this town, I lose a little light,

It shines for some, but I’m outta sight.

I tried to run, but still I go,

London calls me, even when I say no.

They say this city can make you great,

But it starts by carving out your faith

Piece by piece, it chips the skin,

‘Til what you loved ain’t there within.

I paid my dues, I ride the line,

I give my best, still fall behind.

The Thames won’t care if you rise or fall,

She’s seen bigger dreams and how they drown

I chased New York, I tried Beijing,

I showed up whole, left with nothing.

You think I’m bitter? I’m just awake –

Done with giving what they take.

Maybe I was never meant to stay,

But something always pulls me back this way.

Tired of leaving, tired of the noise,

But silence in me leaves no choice.

London, where dreams begin,

And quietly break.