Fate Has a Way

[Verse 1]
You were king of that hallway
Laughin’ when the weak ones cried
High-fives in the locker room
Like you were justified
You said, "Man, it’s just a joke"
While somebody broke inside
Never saw the empty desk
You just moved on with your life
[Chorus]
It’s easy to be a bully
When it ain’t your heart on the line
When you don’t see the shaking hands
Typing "I’m done" late at night
You think those words disappear
But they echo like a train
’Til fate has a way, yeah fate has a way
Of sending you the pain
And someone you love can’t live with the shame
[Verse 2]
Couple years, different town
Now you’re starin’ at your phone
Your little girl’s in her bedroom
Won’t come out, just wants to be alone
You read the screenshots on her screen
Every cruel, familiar phrase
Your own old language coming back
In a brand-new face
[Chorus]
It’s easy to be a bully
When it ain’t your world fallin’ through
When you never had to wipe the tears
From a kid who trusts in you
You thought your past was buried
But it’s standin’ in her doorway
’Cause fate has a way, yeah fate has a way
Of turning it around
Now someone you love is breakin’ down
[Bridge]
You drop to your knees by her bedside (please, baby)
Begging her to hold on tight
Prayin’ to trade every cruel laugh
For one more simple night
Where she believes she matters
Where she don’t carry that weight
You swear if she wakes tomorrow
You’ll never look at hurt the same
[Chorus]
It’s easy to be a bully
When it ain’t your blood in the frame
When you’re not the one who’s wondering
If you’re the reason for their pain
But once you’ve nearly lost your heart
To the fire of your own ways
You learn fate has a way, yeah fate has a way
Of bringing truth to light
And you gotta live, you gotta live with what you made
[Outro]
So teach that girl she’s worthy
Teach that boy to use his name
To pull somebody from the edge
Not push ’em toward the flame
’Cause fate has a way, oh fate has a way
And you don’t wanna face the day
Someone you love can’t live with the pain

country, Heartbreaking modern country ballad with male vocals, gentle picked acoustic and soft pedal steel in the verses; chorus swells with warm piano, fiddle, and a roomy kick. Intimate, almost spoken delivery on the story details, then opening into a soaring, emotional hook. Subtle harmonies on the title line, final chorus drops to nearly solo voice for a raw, fragile close., male vocals