It's been a while I'm not the girl you knew before You look surprised But your shadows reach me nevermore I've been meaning to tell you But I guess it's plain to see Don't be mad This is the stronger side of me It ain't bad I found a brand-new way to breathe Careful with your pride That's the weight that held me down Had to take my spirit back I refused to sink and drown I thought you'd be happy I found the one truth I need Why so mad? It's just the stronger side of me It took a long, long climb to reach here It took a brave, brave soul to rise It took too many broken promises Too many empty tries Don't be surprised, don't be surprised If I speak a little louder If I stand when you are wrong If my steps are reaching higher I've been silent far too long And if you see that I've shifted Don't take it personally Don't be mad I've just uncovered all of me That ain't bad I found a fearless kind of free Oh, it took a long, long road to see this It took a brave, brave heart to stay I endured too many sleepless nights Too many words betrayed Don't be surprised, no, don't look so surprised If you were my friend You'd want to meet me again If you were worth my while You'd be glad to watch me smile I don't expect your sorrow I'm too busy finding grace Look at me Finally, I found me I don't need your permission Not a nod to what I say I won't be perfect But I'm braver every day Now my heart is open Now at last I'm free Don't be mad This is the stronger side of me That ain't bad I found a brighter way to be Don't be mad It's just a brand-new time for me