Heirloom Pain Lyrics – NIKI

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, NIKI sets the tone by describing her attempts to protect herself from emotional pain, likening it to building a barricade against ghosts. She reflects on the pressure to live up to expectations, feeling like she's never there when it matters, and recognizing that life is unpredictable and full of challenges. This verse highlights the anxiety and fear that come with trying to navigate adulthood while dealing with unresolved issues from the past.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus reveals NIKI's coping mechanisms, showing that despite the challenges, she manages to get by. She mentions relying on friends and accepting that this is just how life is, indicating a sense of resignation but also a determination to keep moving forward.

[Chorus]
The chorus focuses on the daily struggle of living with inherited pain. NIKI describes waking up tired and sore, both physically and emotionally, and finding ways to keep herself occupied. She acknowledges that she's always afraid of failing but chooses to push forward despite the fear. The "heirloom pain" she mentions symbolizes the emotional baggage passed down from her parents, which she carries with her in every aspect of her life.

[Post-Chorus]
In the post-chorus, NIKI reiterates her resolve to keep going despite the pain and fear. The repetition of "doing it anyway" emphasizes her determination to live her life on her terms, even if it means confronting the pain head-on.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, NIKI describes the walls she has built around herself, which have withstood many challenges but remain impenetrable. She alludes to the story of Achilles, highlighting the idea that everyone has a weakness, no matter how strong they may seem. This verse illustrates the difficulty of breaking down emotional barriers and the vulnerability that comes with confronting one's own weaknesses.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus is repeated, but this time NIKI mentions softening up and tending to her emotional "garden." She hints at personal growth and the willingness to confront her issues rather than harden against them. The moonlit walk symbolizes reflection and the quiet moments of introspection where she allows herself to feel and process her emotions.

[Chorus]
The second chorus mirrors the first, but with a slight variation. NIKI adds that her grandmother's heartache has also left its mark on her, further emphasizing the theme of generational pain. She expresses a fear of taking up space, symbolizing the struggle to assert herself and be seen while carrying the weight of past trauma.

[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus is repeated, reinforcing NIKI's determination to continue moving forward despite the challenges. The repetition underscores the resilience needed to keep going in the face of inherited pain.

[Outro]
In the outro, NIKI reflects on the cyclical nature of life and love. She acknowledges that people fall in love, make mistakes, and pass on their pain to the next generation. The outro serves as a reminder that everyone carries their own burdens and that these patterns are a part of the human experience.