[VERSE 1 — close-mic, ~55–60% • fragile, warm • soften the ends] My brain does laps around the bedroom light, I talk in rushes, then I bite my tongue at night. I see the “almost” hiding in the “okay,” read between smiles like a language I can’t unlearn. I’m quick with plans, slow with the pause, I chase the fix till I forget the cause. I’m carrying thunder under a buttoned-up shirt, and I’m tired of pretending it doesn’t hurt. [PRE — lift, ~70% • build each line • tighter rhythm] If I’m honest, I’ve been scared of my own speed, scared the best of me is buried under need. So I’m breathing in, I’m letting go— I’m staying put when my mind says “go.” [CHORUS — open chest, ~85–90% • singalong • hold vowels • add harmonies on 2 & 4] I’m taking off my quiet weapons, dropping every sharp defense. I’m not my panic, not my pressure, I’m the promise I protect. When the dark comes talking, I talk back, when I fall, I fall toward the track. Say my name into the night: I’m still here, and I’m still mine. [VERSE 2 — more edge, ~70–75% • clearer consonants • don’t force grit] Discipline slips like rain through hands, doubt says “tomorrow” like it understands. Old patterns knock with familiar keys, and I hate how easy they make a home in me. But I look at the parts I used to hide, I let them stand in the daylight. If there’s a shadow that follows my feet, then let it learn how to walk with me. [PRE 2 — bigger lift, ~75–80% • forward placement • quick, silent breaths] One small win, then one more— that’s a door, that’s a floor. I don’t need perfect, I need true, and I’m choosing what to do. [CHORUS 2 — bigger, ~90% • doubles + wider harmonies • last line held longer] I’m taking off my quiet weapons, dropping every sharp defense. I’m not my panic, not my pressure, I’m the promise I protect. When the dark comes talking, I talk back, when I fall, I fall toward the track. Say my name into the night: I’m still here, and I’m still mine. [BRIDGE — drop back, ~55–65% • vulnerable • behind the beat] My wife is the calm that reads my face, she keeps my truth in a steady place. When I can’t decode what I feel, she holds the map until it’s real. And my son—when I hold him close, the noise lets go, the future slows. In that silence, I remember why love makes a man from a hard goodbye. [FINAL CHORUS — peak → resolve • start ~95%, step down after line 4 • last 2 lines stripped to ~55–60%] I’m taking off my quiet weapons, dropping every sharp defense. I’m not my panic, not my pressure, I’m the promise I protect. (softer) When the dark comes talking, I talk back, I fall forward, I find my track. (very soft) Say my name into the night… I’m still here. I’m still mine. [TAG — airy, ~50% • whispered] Not done, not done, I come back to the quiet! [OUTRO — close-mic, ~40–50% • fade, don’t belt] Still mine..

Quiet Weapons