Tainted

(album: Slow Down - 2021)

I sat by the altar, singing a song as
My friends said I do
Cheering in laughed and then the pastor
Said, "Let no one come between you"
I pretended not to hear that part
A little too close to the heart
I'm supposed to be happy today, but I'm barely okay
When I'm reminded of the truth

I know I'm tainted
Watch as I desperately cover that part
And that's why I'm chasing
Trying to sneak into somebody's heart
'Cause I know I'm tainted, and maybe I'll make it
If I can conceal every imperfect scar
'Cause who would want a tainted, tainted love
From a man who messed up?

Once I stood at the altar, I'm sure of it all
Just waiting for my bride to be
The pastor opened the bible, and we said with a smile
Some words that we didn't mean
But [?] I can't take it back
I have to go on with half of me
And I can't pretend that I'll find me again
When I'm at the bottom of the sea

I know I'm tainted
Watch as I desperately cover that part
And that's why I'm chasing
Trying to sneak into somebody's heart
'Cause I know I'm tainted, and maybe I'll make it
If I can conceal every imperfect scar
'Cause who would want a tainted, tainted love
From a man who messed up?

But I'm hoping someday that somebody with grace
Will forgive me for all that I was
But until then [?] with the shadow
That says I'm unworthy of love
And I just want acceptance, I know that I'm better
Than all the mistakes [?]
But lately, I'm feeling that nobody sees me
And it's too late for me to be loved

I know I'm tainted
Watch as I desperately cover that part
And that's why I'm chasing
Trying to sneak into somebody's heart
'Cause I know I'm tainted, and maybe I'll make it
If I can conceal every imperfect scar
'Cause who would want a tainted, tainted love
From a man who messed up?