[Verse 1] 
Learnin' how to say no 
Even when you don't understand why 
'Cause it's for me 
It's not about you even though I feel you want it to be 
Not stuck in a maybe 
But sure what I want to say

[Chorus] 
I gotta care about myself more than I have been 
Because I just can't go on being your air 
If I can't breathe 
I can't be your strength 
If I don't take care of me 
This is an excuse that is needed 
This is an excuse that is needed 
Lately I've been feeling depleted 
So there you have my reason 
This is an excuse that is needed

[Verse 2] 
Let me know do I need a life jacket 
You know my tears fall that much? 
Baby I don't want you stranded 
If you're not gonna be 
Sure about what you say 
'Cause baby it's that way with me 
'Cause I don't use my words if I don't know 
Exactly what they mean

[Chorus] 
I gotta care about myself more than I have been 
Because I just can't go on being your air 
If I can't breathe 
I can't be your strength 
If I don't take care of me 
This is an excuse that is needed 
This is an excuse that is needed 
Lately I've been feeling depleted 
So there you have my reason 
This is an excuse that is needed

[Outro]
This is an excuse that is needed
Lately I've been feeling depleted
So there you have my reason
This is an excuse that is needed