Have you ever put on a big, bright smile even when you were feeling sad inside? Most of us have spent years pretending everything is “just fine” because we don’t want to upset the people around us. But what happens when you finally get tired of wearing that mask?
Courtney Hadwin, the young singer with the soul of a rock legend, is asking that exact question in her brand-new song, “You Only Love Me When I Lie,” featuring the famous Little Steven from the E Street Band.
In a short video she just shared, Courtney sings some words that hit right at the heart: “I’ve been pretending for a long, long while… but I’m done pretending tonight.” It is a powerful moment that feels very real to anyone who has ever felt like they had to hide their “dark side” just to be liked.
For many of us who have spent decades trying to please everyone: at work, at home, or with friends, this song feels like a giant breath of fresh air.
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Courtney isn’t the shy little girl from TV anymore. Dressed in her camo pants and denim jacket, she looks like a true rock star who is ready to tell the truth. She tells her listeners that some people only want to be around her when she is smiling and happy. But real life isn’t always happy, and Courtney is brave enough to say that if someone only loves the “fake” version of her, then maybe it is simply time for her to leave.
The music itself is gritty and raw, which makes sense since she is working with a rock icon like Little Steven. It doesn’t sound like the polished, “perfect” songs you hear on the radio today; it sounds like real life. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be imperfect and it’s okay to show the world who you really are.
You Only Love Me When I Lie Ft Lil Steven!!! 1st MAY
So, mark your calendars for May 1st. Whether you have been a fan of Courtney since her first audition or you are just hearing her voice for the first time, this song is for you. It is a song for anyone who is ready to take off the mask, stop pretending, and finally be loved for who they truly are.