I Will Not Shi Marry

Everybody asking, “When's your day?”
I won't let the pressure lead the way.
Before the pictures, before the rings,
Let us talk about the deeper things.

I will not shi marry o,
I won't let pressure carry me.
Mi ò ní shi gbéyàwó!
I will choose with eyes that see.
Mi ò ní shi ọkọ fẹ́!
Mi ò ní shi aya fẹ́!
When the wedding lights go down,
Will respect and love stay round?

You say you love me, then you check my phone,
You choose my friends, won't let me go alone.
I say “no,” you stand against the door,
Then send me flowers like the times before.

I need a voice, I need to feel secure,
A diamond ring won't make control a cure.
Love can hear a different point of view,
I should feel safe when I disagree with you.

Monday's story changes by the week,
You turn away each time I try to speak.
I don't need perfect, I need what is true,
Let your words agree with what you do.

The date can wait, the guests can wait,
I won't let money spent decide my fate.
Before “I do,” I'll take my time,
I need the truth, not another line.

I will not shi marry o,
I won't let pressure carry me.
Mi ò ní shi gbéyàwó!
I will choose with eyes that see.
Mi ò ní shi ọkọ fẹ́!
Mi ò ní shi aya fẹ́!
When the wedding lights go down,
Will respect and love stay round?

You call me darling when your friends are near,
At home you say the things I hate to hear.
You make me small, then say it's just a joke,
But laughter doesn't heal the words you spoke.

Keep your gifts if kindness isn't there,
I need respect, a love that shows me care.
We can start with little, build it slow,
But will you help our little garden grow?

Bills and dishes, plans we need to make,
Will we share the work, or will you only take?
When you're tired, I can carry more,
When I need help, don't leave me at the door.

The date can wait, the guests can wait,
I won't let money spent decide my fate.
Before “I do,” I'll take my time,
I need the truth, not another line.

I will not shi marry o,
I won't let pressure carry me.
Mi ò ní shi gbéyàwó!
I will choose with eyes that see.
Mi ò ní shi ọkọ fẹ́!
Mi ò ní shi aya fẹ́!
When the wedding lights go down,
Will respect and love stay round?

“That's how I am,” you say and turn away,
But nothing changes with the coming day.
Sorry needs an action I can see,
Not just a promise when I'm set to leave.

And I'll look in the mirror too,
Am I giving what I ask of you?
Love is patient, love is kind,
Let those words shape yours and mine.

If we're married, let's own what we do,
Seek good counsel, learn to listen too.
If there's danger, reach for help and care,
You deserve support; don't hide in fear.

I will not shi marry o,
I won't let pressure carry me.
Mi ò ní shi gbéyàwó!
I will choose with eyes that see.
Mi ò ní shi ọkọ fẹ́!
Mi ò ní shi aya fẹ́!
When the wedding lights go down,
Will respect and love stay round?

More than pictures, more than rings,
Love is in the daily things.
I'm choosing who will share my life,
Not just a day in matching white.
Mi ò ní shi gbéyàwó!