[Verse]

​(Deep bass line, sparse electronic drums. A feeling of tension.)

​

(Verse 1)

The walls were thinner than I thought they were

I left the heavy curtain slightly drawn

I got sloppy with the whispers, let the silence blur

And now the safety of the dark is gone.

You held the keys, I let you inside

A fool to think that loyalty survives

Now you hold a megaphone to where I hide

Threatening to skin my secrets live.

​

(Pre-Chorus)

It stings, I won't lie, to feel the blade again

But betrayal is a language I have learned to speak

I’ve got calluses on my soul, thick skin

I’m used to wolves who masquerade as sheep.

​

(Chorus)

Now I’m standing at the edge of the wire

Staring at the button that would level the game

I could fight your fire with a hotter fire

And make sure nobody remembers your name.

It’s a mystery, truly, what I should do

I’m holding the match, looking right at you.

​

(Verse 2)

See, here’s the math you didn't calculate

You’re worried about what you can say about me?

I can hit reset, I can wipe the slate

I can change my face and vanish in the sea.

But you? You’ve got a brand, you’ve got a name

You’ve got a reputation built on glass

I know the skeletons, I know the game

I could turn your future into ash.

Real life careers, real life friends

I know exactly where the money ends.

What you risk is everything you own

What I risk is just starting off alone.

​

(Bridge)

(Tempo increases, guitars get heavier, distorted)

I could disappear into the nothingness

Drop the bomb and fade into the black

Rise up like a Phoenix from the mess

While you choke on the smoke of the attack.

I could use the flames to light my way

While I watch your viewership decay

Cost you the respect, cost you the gold

I could be the villain, just like the days of old!

​(Guitar Solo - Chaotic and dissonant, then suddenly cutting to silence)

​(Clean guitar, slow and quiet again)

But I am trying... to be better.

I’m trying to keep the monster in the cage.

I don’t want to be the author of that letter

I don’t want to be the actor on that stage.

I’ve resolved conflicts with destruction before

And I’m tired of the casualties, tired of the war.

So I’ll hold my tongue, and I’ll hold my space...

But pray you don’t force me back to that place.

​(Fade out)

Don't make me go back to that place.

(Silence)