I was too young to see the truth
In my grandma's lap, I'm drownin' in her perfume
Too naive to even care
'Bout the words she whispered while she brushed out my hair
[Pre-Chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (Ooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say, "Recess, I'm tired"
[Verse 2]
Sittin' in my room, lookin' at all I've done
Everything I wanted has come to fruition
I should be happy, but I can't get out my bed
Stressin' 'bout the voices screamin' inside my head
[Pre-Chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (Ooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "Recess, I'm tired"
[Bridge]
Where has my time gone
And my mind gone?
I can't find euphoria
When I get upset
I think in my head
Back to what she said
[Pre-Chorus]
People gonna say
If you need a break, someone'll take your place
People gonna try
To tell you that you're fine with dollars in their eyes
(Just remember)
[Chorus]
Don't let them fuck you, honey, no, oh
Don't let them try (Ooh)
Don't let them hurt you, baby
Just say "Recess, I'm tired"
About
“Recess” brings Melanie Martinez’s sophomore album K-12 to a sweet, fairytale close. In the album’s accompanying film, “Recess” plays during a nightmarish ball, where K-12 students, bedecked in their finery, are cursed to dance forever. Despite this grim outlook, “Recess” is a cheery anthem to letting go of one’s attachments and being brave enough to take a break when things get too hard.
A snippet of “Recess” was released through an interactive game on July 16, 2019, and was posted on Martinez’s Instagram with more lyrics than the snipped provided. The song artwork was done by pastelae, who has drawn artworks for other tracks on the album.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
I wrote this song at a time where I felt extremely burned out from all the work that was consuming my life. I oftentimes bite off more than I can chew, and I think learning when to take breaks is something I’m still learning how to do. I think we’re all pretty conditioned to believe that our value is determined by our success or wealth. I think abundance is something most people confuse with monetary gain. In reality, abundance can present itself as having genuine friends surround you, a meaningful purpose in life, a loving partner, a supportive family or even good health. Those are the things that really add value and fulfillment to our lives more than anything.
—Melanie talking about “Recess” on Alternative Press Magazine
K-12, Melanie’s sophomore album, was released alongside an movie of the same name. Leo, the principal’s son, asks Crybaby (Melanie) to the dance, after he heard her and her friends plan to kill him and burn down the school before “Teacher’s Pet”. Crybaby’s friends get mad at her because this ruined the plan they had to burn down the school. Avenging his father’s death in “Drama Club”, Leo locks all of the students in the school and plays hypnotizing music that forces them to dance.
- 2.Class Fight
- 4.Show & Tell
- 6.Drama Club
- 9.Orange Juice
- 10.Detention
- 11.Teacher’s Pet
- 13.Recess
