Lyrics

Every family has rules
Rules mean love used as tools
Rules mean order
Rules keep normal within the border
Good homes don’t fall apart

We don’t raise weak children here
So hide all the fear behind your eyes dear
Sit down fake a smile you won’t fall
Keep your head held high in the hall

The slashes are a silent pain
No one needs to see your strain
So wipe your eyes don’t make a sound
Don’t let them see you break in town

You say we don’t care for you
Say the bruises prove it’s true
But you don’t understand
This is all just as we planned

If you follow the rules we choose
You won’t have anything to lose
Keep your head down there at school
Pain is how you learn the rule

They say fear will teach respect
Some might call this neglect
But there’s nothing left to fear
If you follow the rules in here

This is the family rulebook
Set in stone
Never written out
But read in every tone

A slap in the dark teaches discipline
Breaks your will controls the sin
Till you turn into what we want
And swear there’s nothing wrong

This is what a family means
Not a river—no escape to streams
They don’t see what stays inside these walls
They don’t hear the quiet falls

Fall quiet now don’t say a word
You’ll learn your value if you’re heard
No you won’t be hurt if you comply
If you follow rules the fire won’t rise

Some things stay inside the house
Close your mouth
Don’t let them see
Don’t let them understand

This is the family rulebook
Set in stone
Never written out
But read in every tone

A slap in the dark teaches discipline
Kills the parts you’re living in
Till you turn into what we want
And swear there’s nothing wrong

Parents know best
Parents know what happens next
So don’t let them know
In these walls control is growth
Listen well

This is the family rulebook
Set in stone
Never written out
But carved into bone

And if no one hears a thing
Then nothing happened here