Bend & Shine
Alex Wilson
Description
An anthemic alt-pop song about resilience and finding strength in vulnerability. 'Bend & Shine' celebrates imperfections and the power of community, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and find light even in dark times. Built for arenas, the song features call-and-response vocals, driving rhythms, and a singalong chorus designed to unite crowds.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Scuffed-up shoes on a holy floor, Bad day knocking like a debt collector. Wrote my name in a fogged-up door— It cleared, I stayed—got louder. Every crack I tried to hide Turns to windows in the light. If I’m crooked, that’s by design— Still reads true in neon lines. Pre-Chorus Hands up—count to three, Say your name like company. If you’re bruised, you’re not alone— This whole room’s a megaphone. Chorus (crowd echo) We don’t break—(we don’t break!) we bend and shine—(bend and shine!) Turn our scars to exit signs. When it’s dark, we draw the line— “Find your people, take your time.” We don’t break—(we don’t break!) we bend and shine—(bend and shine!) If you’re mine, then you’re alive. Say it once, then say it twice— We bend and shine. Verse 2 Fear says quiet—we say louder, Build a throne from broken counter. Tape and faith and midnight glue— Look at us: the golden proof. If your heart is paper-thin, Write this chorus in that skin. Fold the edge and wear the crown— Tilt it, grin, and pass it down. Pre-Chorus Hands up—count to three, Say your name like company. If you’re bruised, you’re not alone— This whole room’s a megaphone. Chorus (crowd echo) We don’t break—(we don’t break!) we bend and shine—(bend and shine!) Turn our scars to exit signs. When it’s dark, we draw the line— “Find your people, take your time.” We don’t break—(we don’t break!) we bend and shine—(bend and shine!) If you’re mine, then you’re alive. Say it once, then say it twice— We bend and shine. Bridge (drop: claps on 2 & 4) If you feel small—say your name. If you feel lost—light your flame. If you feel done—hold this line. One, two, three—we bend and shine. Chorus (double / lift) We don’t break—(we don’t break!) we bend and shine—(bend and shine!) Turn our scars to exit signs. When it’s dark, we draw the line— “Find your people, take your time.” We don’t break—(we don’t break!) we bend and shine—(bend and shine!) If you’re mine, then you’re alive. Say it once, then say it twice— We bend and shine. Tag (a cappella, crowd only) Hey!—Hey!—We don’t break, we bend and shine!