Songwriting Sample
“Princess Valiant”
Melody & Lyrics by Mandi J. Smith
A fiery Kelly Clarkson— meets— Avril Lavigne pop-rock anthem about breaking free from expectations— family, faith, and love alive— and trading good-girl rules for rebel glory.
VERSE 1:
Don’t care if I’m angry
Sick of staring at their faces
They call me stupid
’Cause I’ve fallen right out from their graces
They didn’t want to know me
So they can all just blow me
VERSE 2:
Busted from the box
Became the blackest sheep of drama
Ya know I’m never gonna be
Your good girl prima donna
Trying to control me
Scared of all I could be
CHORUS:
I’m not what / what you want
I never / got to have opinions
Now I scream / I’m extreme
’Cause I know / I’m on in a million
Oh God please / I disobeyed
Let me breathe / you can keep your shame
Don’t bother / ‘cause I’m done
Not gonna be / your Princess Valiant
VERSE 3:
Looks like that ship has sailed
And I’m not coming back to harbor
Call me Lorena Bobbitt
But I call you Jeffrey Dahmer
Wished to be the only
But I was always lonely
VERSE 4:
Asked for respect
And got a rusty knight without the honor
Took on a queen
Who played you for your money and your power
I was never worthy
But still you call me guilty
CHORUS 2:
I’m not who / who you thought
Witnessed a lamb / become a lion
All those dreams / they’re burning
But cages / made me resilient
Oh God please / don’t hesitate
Walk away / apathy is on my face
You’re broken / and I’m bored
Passed over your / Princess Valiant
BRIDGE:
With these lips and ruby cheeks
You wrote my story in blood red ink
You liked the sugar soft and sweet
Til I grew claws you couldn’t keep
You turned the page and burned the bridge
Bit the apple from the witch
Fell asleep, need true love’s kiss
But she’s gone where fire lives
Oh, hey, yeah
OUTRO/TAG:
I found peace / thanks to me
You never saw — (Princess Valiant)
I’m soaring / you’re mourning
How you made me — (Princess Valiant)
Oh believe, it was a great escape
Dignity is still the sweetest taste
Here’s closure / and I’ve won
They all call me — (Princess Valiant)
It’s been real / it’s been fun
They all call me — (Princess Valiant)
Now I’m free / bend the knee
The end — call me / Princess Valiant