[Tone: Dark, cinematic, NF-style dialogue Theme: Fear pretending to “protect” you while controlling you] [Intro – whispered / distorted] Hey… Relax. I got this. Just sit back. [Verse 1 – You] Hands on the wheel but I don’t feel control Road looks familiar but I’m lost on the road Every turn feels wrong, every sign says “slow” Future coming fast, got my foot on the brake though I got dreams in the trunk, doubts in the seat Fear leaning forward like he’s talking to me Says, “Remember last time? Remember that pain?” I nod my head ‘cause yeah, I remember everything [Pre-Chorus] He says he’s here to keep me safe But every word just feeds the cage [Chorus] Fear in the backseat, hand on my shoulder Telling me lies but they sound like closure “Don’t move yet, don’t try, don’t commit What if you crash? What if this is it?” Fear in the backseat, calling the plays Using my past just to ruin my faith I wanna drive but he grips too tight Says “Let me steer, I’ll get you through the night” [Verse 2 – Fear (spoken/rap)] Look, I’ve seen what happens when you hope too much When you give your heart and it blows right up Remember the breakup? Remember the shame? Remember praying and still feeling pain? I’m not your enemy, I’m your proof Every bad ending started with truth You say marriage, house, kids, forever I say pressure, collapse, “you’re not ready” [Verse 3 – You] I hate how you talk like you know me Hate how your voice sounds like “old me” You use my grandma, my guilt, my regret Every “what if” I haven’t forgiven yet You say “wait,” but you never say when You say “protect,” but I’m trapped again I’m tired of living life stuck on pause Calling it patience when it’s really fear’s laws [Bridge] Every mile I let you drive I feel more numb, less alive [Break – spoken] Pull over. Now. [Chorus – final] Fear in the backseat, get out the car You don’t get to tell me who you are I know I’m scared, I know I’m flawed But you don’t get the steering wheel or God Fear in the backseat, exit right I’ll take the risk, I’ll take the fight If I crash, at least it’s me I’d rather fail than never be free [Outro] Hands shaking… But they’re mine.

Backseat Driver