[Intro – low, reflective]

[Intro – low, reflective] They don’t need you broken. They just prefer you quiet. [Verse 1] They don’t need chains when doubt works fine Don’t need walls when you police your own mind If you question too loud, they call it pride If you slow things down, they say you’re behind Compliance doesn’t look like fear It looks like comfort year by year Little trades you barely see Convenience for autonomy They say “we’re helping, just relax” While tightening invisible contracts You sign with time, you sign with trust You sign because survival feels urgent and just [Hook – heavy, deliberate] They prefer you quiet They prefer you small They prefer you tired So you don’t question at all But agency grows When you slow your breath When you learn your worth Isn’t tied to their steps They prefer you compliant It keeps things clean But autonomy rises When you think between [Verse 2] A loud world makes clarity rare Noise everywhere but no real care They flood the room with constant demand Then blame you when you can’t withstand An anxious mind is easier led If you’re scared enough, you’ll do what’s said If you’re rushed enough, you won’t inspect Who benefits from your neglect They don’t force you — they exhaust you Till resistance feels irresponsible Till asking “why” feels like a risk And silence feels more reasonable [Hook – unchanged] They prefer you quiet They prefer you small They prefer you tired So you don’t question at all But agency grows When you slow your breath When you learn your worth Isn’t tied to their steps They prefer you compliant It keeps things clean But autonomy rises When you think between [Bridge] Autonomy doesn’t shout. It stabilizes. [Verse 3] Strength isn’t volume, it’s clarity Knowing what’s yours, not just what’s handed to you It’s memory reclaimed from the blur It’s time returned from the hurry You don’t overthrow with rage You outgrow the cage You stop mistaking comfort for safe You stop mistaking noise for brave Compliance is easy when you’re unsure Agency requires something more Not rebellion for the sake of flame But understanding how the game is played [Final Hook – resolute] They prefer you quiet But you’re not weak They prefer you small But you’re not asleep Autonomy isn’t given It’s practiced slow It starts the moment You decide to know They can pressure They can imply But they can’t control A settled mind Outro – calm, heavy They don’t fear anger. They fear awareness. And awareness is quiet.