No Pretext

Everyone, at some point, has been on the receiving end of a pretext. A soft excuse offered in place of a harder truth. Pretexts can serve a purpose, but they rarely satisfy. They cover mismatches we’re reluctant to face head-on.

I’ve always valued being direct and real. I appreciate it even more when others offer the same. This song reflects that kind of honesty—the kind that meets reality with clarity and grace. It’s about finding courage in honesty. About owning our motives, and at times, our shortcomings.

Lyrics

You hit me up, said, “We’re catching the game”
Just a low-key spot, same faces, same name
“You don’t have to stay — just swing by and chill”
I smiled and said, “Sure, I’ll see if I will”
Crowds and noise, not my kind of scene
So I reached for my favorite routine

“I’d love to, but… it’s one of those nights”
And I set up the line just right…

I wanted to make it, I really did
But she’s got that thing with the neighbor’s kid
Said she needs me home, can’t do it alone
So I’m gonna have to sit this one out
Yeah, I wanted to make it, I swear I tried
But she gave me that look — you know the kind
Gotta play the part, keep the peace tonight
So I’m gonna have to sit this one out

Then church sent a note ’bout the welcome team
“Could use a smile at the coffee machine”
I’m better with quiet, just give me the keys
Set up the chairs or restock the teas
Still, I typed back, “Lemme check with my wife”
Another soft dodge, neat and polite

“I’d help, but… she’s hosting her mom”
Then I texted it like it was calm

I wanted to make it, I really did
But she’s got that thing with her mom again
Said she needs the help, can’t do it alone
So I’m gonna have to sit this one out
Yeah, I wanted to make it, I swear I tried
But she gave me that look — you know the kind
Gotta play the part, keep the peace tonight
So I’m gonna have to sit this one out

Got called to the courts, “we’re rolling at eight”
“Bring your shoes and racket, don’t be late”
I started to reach for the same ol’ line
But stopped halfway through and just said, “not this time”
Kept it simple, no need to pretend
And somehow that felt more like being a friend

I’m not gonna make it, hope that’s all right
I need the quiet more than the stride
Not big on crowds, not into the noise
So I’m gonna sit this one out, my choice
No one left guessing, no second face
I’m not dressing up to win the race
I’m gonna sit this one out

I’m gonna sit this one out
I’m gonna sit this one out