This Is Not A Bruise
The Mascara Story Lyrics

The piano from the movie,
The song begins with a reference to a piano playing a minor chord that evokes the melancholy emotion felt by the singer, which will set the tone for the rest of the song.

Is stuck on a minor chord.
This repetition of the minor chord hints at the feeling of being stuck in a low emotional state or trapped in a situation of unrequited love.

Don't try and tell me something,
The singer has been hurt before and is now questioning the other person's honesty and willingness to be open and vulnerable.

Then say that you forgot it.
The other person has failed to follow through on a commitment, causing the singer to doubt their intentions and sincerity.

The porchlights turn off,
The physical surroundings suggest the end of the night or the end of a connection or relationship.

But it's fine.
Despite the appearance of finality or loss, the singer is resigned to accept the situation as it is without self-pity or bitterness.

I don't need to see your pretty face,
The singer recognizes the superficiality of attraction and values a deeper connection based on honesty and mutual understanding.

To feel, happy, for smiles.
The singer prefers authentic happiness and genuine smiles over a shallow or insincere pretense of affection and attraction.

I'm counting on you,
The singer is expressing a vulnerability and trust in the other person, hoping that they will reciprocate with honesty and affection.

Just for now.
This phrase implies a temporary expectation or hope that may be subject to change or disappointment.

To say cutie things, to me,
The singer desires affectionate or flirty language that will help them feel desired and appreciated.

Like "hey, nice teeth"
This specific compliment is an example of the kind of lighthearted or playful thing the singer is seeking, rather than something overly romantic or sentimental.

And you'll catch cold,
This metaphor implies that if the other person doesn't dress up their language with charming details like 'bow ties' (or flirtatious language), they will become emotionally or romantically 'sick' or disconnected.

By not using bow ties,
The 'bow ties' represent a flair or flourish that makes language more charming or attractive, and are therefore a metaphor for the little things that people do to keep a romance or emotional connection alive.

To wrap your sentances.
The phrase 'wrap your sentences' extends the bow tie metaphor to mean that even the way things are said can be an opportunity to express affection or attraction.

Incentive to wake at 4am,
The act of waking up at 4am implies a kind of feverish dedication or passion, and the idea of writing poems with eyeliner implies an almost obsessive intensity of feeling or desire.

To write poems with eyeliner.
This phrase suggests an emphasis on self-expression and creativity with a touch of drama or theatricality.

Don't wake [up]
This repetition of the phrase 'don't wake' suggests a reluctance to face reality or the harsh light of day, particularly if it means losing a romantic or emotional connection.

It's too late to fall back to sleep.
The sense of inevitability in this line suggests that once you've fallen for someone, you can't simply 'unfall' - there are consequences and emotions that need to be addressed and dealt with.

Fuck lullabyes, lets harmonise.
This abrupt and aggressive phrase seems to reject the idea of soothing or calming songs and instead calls for something more passionate and intense.

[The stars on your cieling glow]
This line is repeated throughout the song, and suggests a sense of wonder, awe, and longing - a sense that something beautiful is just out of reach or absent.

If all I did,
This phrase implies a sense of personal responsibility or guilt, and a willingness to take ownership of actions or words that may have contributed to the current situation.

If all I said.
This repetition makes it clear that the focus is on communication and language, and the ways in which language can both create and destroy emotional connections.

This is not a bruise from falling for you.
The repetition of this phrase throughout the song suggests a sense of defensiveness or insecurity, as if the singer is anticipating accusations or misunderstandings.

Look close, as if you care.
This final line is a challenge or plea to the other person, asking them to engage more fully or intimately with the singer's emotions and feelings.