[Verse 1]
Sometimes I live my life like I got something to prove
Get caught up in opinions, I got so much to lose
If I don't perform well, talk well
Give the people what they want or imma catch hell (Ah-ah-ah, oh-oh-oh)

[Verse 2]
Don't talk to loud about your struggles, try to pray through
Got that tight smile I wear when I'm tryin' not to be rude
Because I honor well, yea, I love well
Give the people what they want or Imma catch hell

[Chorus]
And I try
But I'm tired
I'm shedding performance
Yes, slowly but surely
I try
But I'm tirеd
I'm grown but still growing
Yes, slowly but surely, I try (Oh-oh-oh)

[Verse 3]
Said it right but evеrybody's happy but me
I wore it so well it covered up my identity
Because I pretend so well, but I question as well
Tell the people what they want to hear or catch hell (Ooh, ah)
[Verse 4]
There's only so much I can take
And I'm spilling over, raging waters making me free
And I don’t mind, well, guess I'll find myself
People only want the narrative that sells, well

[Chorus]
And I try
And I'm trying
I'm shedding performance
Yes, slowly but surely, I try (Oh-oh-oh)
I'm grown but still growing
Yes, slowly but surely, I try

[Bridge]
Performance can't buy your love
You can try but it never will be enough
Performance can't buy your love (Ooh)
You can try but it never will be enough (Performance can't buy your love)
Performance can't buy your love (You can try)
You can try but it never will be enough (You can try, you can try, you can try)
Performance can't buy your love (But you're already)
You can try, you can try, you can try (Try)

[Chorus]
Try
But I'm tired, I'm tired, I'm tired
I'm shedding performance
Yes, slowly but surely
I try, I-I-I-I
I-I'm tired
'Cause I'm grown but still growing
Yes, slowly but surely I try