[piano ballad]

[Intro – gentle piano arpeggios, quiet cello hum] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – slow piano chords, breathy vocals] I wake up heavy, sheets stuck to my skin The clock ticks loud, but I can’t let myself begin Every breath feels like a fight I didn’t ask to win I hold on tight to the edge of where I’ve been [Pre-Chorus – building piano, rising string layers] The dark creeps in through the cracks in the wall I count the seconds till the night lets fall But I’ve got a fire that I won’t let stall Not today, not at all [Chorus – full piano melody, soaring strings, powerful vocals] Every day is getting harder My bones are getting weaker Anxiety grips the heart like a vice of steel My pain grows deeper and deeper This man of steel won’t let it beat me I’ve got the strength of a bull The rising grit of a man with the soul like the waves from the roaring sea [Verse 2 – soft piano, muted string accompaniment] I walk the streets with my head held low People pass by, they don’t see the storm I know I smile and nod, but my chest feels like it’s gonna blow I keep on moving, one step slow [Pre-Chorus 2 – intensified piano, thicker string swells] The weight sits heavy on my tired shoulders I’ve got scars that the world can’t see, but they’re bolder But I won’t let the dark make me colder I’m holding on, I’m holding on [Chorus 2 – layered vocals, dramatic piano peaks, full string section] Every day is getting harder My bones are getting weaker Anxiety grips the heart like a vice of steel My pain grows deeper and deeper This man of steel won’t let it beat me I’ve got the strength of a bull The rising grit of a man with the soul like the waves from the roaring sea [Bridge – sparse piano, intimate vocals, fading strings] I stumble sometimes, I fall to the ground But I push myself up, I don’t make a sound I’ve got a soul that’s unbroken, unbound I’m still here, I’m still around [Solo – tender piano solo, soft string backing] (Instrumental Solo) [Chorus 3 – full emotional climax, layered vocals, orchestral swells] Every day is getting harder My bones are getting weaker Anxiety grips the heart like a vice of steel My pain grows deeper and deeper This man of steel won’t let it beat me I’ve got the strength of a bull The rising grit of a man with the soul like the waves from the roaring sea [Outro – fading piano, quiet cello fade] I’ll keep on fighting, wave after wave My soul’s still roaring, still brave