Pain Ain’t Payment

(Track 9)

Key: E minor
Tempo: 84 BPM – steady blues march, raw and resolute
Vibe: Truth-telling blues with fire in the belly and a no-more-nonsense edge

[Verse 1]

Em – Am – B7 – Em
You said hurt was part of love
Like thunder was a gift from above
But I bled too long, smiled too wide
Just to be left on the losing side

Em – Am – B7 – Em
I bought your lies with tears and time
Thought maybe pain would make you mine
But pain ain't currency, love ain’t debt
And I ain’t payin’ what I never should’ve met

[Chorus]

C – G – D – Em
Pain ain’t payment, it don’t heal
Ain’t no bargain in the way I feel
You took my heart like it was rent
But I’m done cryin’ for what I never spent

C – G – D – Em
I gave too much, got back regret
Now I’m settin’ terms you won’t forget
Love don’t live in a punishment game
Pain ain’t payment—it’s a damn shame

[Verse 2]

Em – Am – B7 – Em
You sold me silence dressed as peace
Turned my ache into your release
But I’ve learned the truth behind the grin—
You don’t lose love when you let it in

Em – Am – B7 – Em
So keep your sorrow, your tragic song
I’ve danced enough with what felt wrong
I won’t trade soul just to belong
I know now where I don’t belong

[Chorus – Repeat with strength]

C – G – D – Em
Pain ain’t payment, not no more
I ain’t knockin’ on your locked door
This blues is mine, I own the sting
But I ain’t wearin’ your guilt like bling

C – G – D – Em
You thought hurt made hearts stay true
But I ain’t burnin’ just for you
I'm done settlin’ for bruises and blame
'Cause pain ain’t payment—it’s just shame

[Bridge – Spoken softly, but fierce]

Am – C – Em
Don’t call it love if it don’t heal
Don’t trade devotion for what’s not real
If I gotta bleed to prove I care…
That’s a cost I won’t wear

[Final Chorus – Slow and strong]

C – G – D – Em
Pain ain’t payment, that’s the creed
Don’t plant love where sorrow feeds
I’m takin’ back what’s truly mine—
And leavin’ pain where it crossed the line

©Copyright 2025. Gold Shield Publishing Inc
Writer: Songsmith