Temporary Tattoo
Alex Wilson
Description
A catchy, vulnerable alt-pop anthem about the lingering impact of a relationship someone tried to erase. Driven by sharp, evocative lyrics and a pulsing, contemporary production, 'Temporary Tattoo' explores the frustration of being dismissed as fleeting when the connection felt permanent. The song balances raw emotion with a cool, confident delivery, highlighting the contrast between the protagonist's self-assuredness and the other person's denial.
Lyrics
Verse 1 You wrote your name on the back of my hand, Sharpie black in a bathroom stall. Said, “Don’t overthink it, it’s not a big plan,” Then kissed me like a fire drill call. Your jacket smelled like cinnamon gum, Your car light flickered when we touched. You said, “I’m not the type to get stuck,” But you stuck, yeah—you stuck. Pre-Chorus You thought I’d fade with a little rain, Scrubbed me off with the next week’s plans. But bleach can only blur the stain— Look at your hands. Chorus I’m not a temporary tattoo, You can’t rub out the truth. Tried to sleep me off your skin, Woke up blue—there I am again. You said I’m just ink that moves— Guess your mirror disagrees with you. I’m not a temporary tattoo— I stick like proof. Post-Chorus Ink—won’t—move. Tat—too—(you). Verse 2 You hid my notes in the glove box mess, Said, “Let’s be cool,” like I was heat. Played me a song you swore wasn’t about me— Funny, the chorus had my street. We tried to keep it casual clean, Labels off like clearance tags. But every time your phone lit green, My name was in the lag. Pre-Chorus You thought I’d wash with a bigger crowd, New cologne and a louder laugh. But some names ring a little loud— Right through the mask. Chorus I’m not a temporary tattoo, You can’t rub out the truth. Tried to sleep me off your skin, Woke up blue—there I am again. You said I’m just ink that moves— Guess your mirror disagrees with you. I’m not a temporary tattoo— I stick like proof. Bridge You wore me like a dare you’d lose, Under your sleeve where secrets bruise. If love’s a stamp you pass around, Why’s mine the one you can’t get out? Down-Chorus I’m not a temporary tattoo… Look at your hands—they knew. Final Chorus I’m not a temporary tattoo, You can’t rub out the truth. Tried to sleep me off your skin, Woke up blue—there I am again. You said I’m just ink that moves— Tell your heartbeat that it isn’t true. I’m not a temporary tattoo— I stick like proof. I stick like you. Tag Sharpie fades. I don’t.