Twenty-Three and Tired

[Verse 1]
Woke up heavy in a house that’s quiet
Scroll my phone, every smile look like a lie
Twenty-three, feel a hundred in my spine
Friends talk dreams, I’m just fighting to survive
Mama say “pray”, I just stare at the ceiling
Therapist voice in my head, I mute the feeling
Whole world running, I’m stuck at the light
Asking how I’m doing, I say “good” out of spite
[Chorus]
I’m in pain and I’m only twenty-three (twenty-three)
Whole damn world on top of me
They keep saying “it gets better, you’ll see”
But I’m drowning while they talk about the sea
I’m in pain and I’m only twenty-three (twenty-three)
Heart so loud I can’t get sleep
If I don’t make it, just remember this piece
I was trying, even bent at the knees (yeah)
[Verse 2]
Can’t call dad, he don’t know what to say
Bills on the table like “pick who gets paid”
Dreams in a notebook, dust on the page
I age ten years every time I feel shame
Laugh at memes just to mask how I’m breaking (ha)
Post a pic, then delete in the making
Everybody shining, I’m stuck in the shade
Jealous of the kids who still think they’ll be saved
[Chorus]
I’m in pain and I’m only twenty-three (twenty-three)
Whole damn world on top of me
They keep saying “it gets better, you’ll see”
But I’m drowning while they talk about the sea
I’m in pain and I’m only twenty-three (twenty-three)
Heart so loud I can’t get sleep
If I don’t make it, just remember this piece
I was trying, even bent at the knees (oh)
[Bridge]
What if I make it to twenty-four
Will I still feel like this on the floor
What if this hurt just means I’m still here
What if this fear is the edge of a miracle
[Chorus]
I’m in pain and I’m only twenty-three (twenty-three)
Whole damn world on top of me
They keep saying “it gets better, you’ll see”
But I’m drowning while they talk about the sea
I’m in pain and I’m only twenty-three (twenty-three)
Heart so loud I can’t get sleep
If I wake up and I’m finally free
I’ll be proud that I stayed in the heat (yeah)

rap, Sparse, melancholy piano loop with gritty boom-bap drums and deep sub bass; male vocals sit intimate and upfront. Verses are confessional and raw, hook brings a bigger, chant-like melody with layered harmonies and airy pads lifting the pain into something anthemic. Subtle vinyl crackle and distant vocal chops add a haunted, late-night atmosphere., emotional