[Intro: low filtered drum loop, distant electric guitar swell] [Verse 1: intimate, restrained] There’s a line in the dirt where the tires spun out I stood there watching the daylight drown Didn’t call your name Didn’t make a sound Your shadow stretched like a warning sign Cut through the fence and the county line I tasted what I wouldn’t say Let it settle, let it stay [Pre-Chorus: tension rising, bass deepens] Every word I kept Turned heavy in my lungs [Chorus: melodic lift, still controlled] Gravel in my mouth Every time I try to speak it out All the sharp edges rolling round I keep biting down Gravel in my mouth Truth is small but it weighs me down I let it grind I let it grind [Instrumental: drum loop forward, subtle slide guitar echo] [Verse 2: slightly stronger, still close] You were leaning on a rusted gate Talking like it was all too late Like the leaving part Was fate, not choice I felt the dust climb up my throat Every almost word you never wrote I held it back I held my voice [Pre-Chorus: restrained intensity] Every silence grows Teeth beneath my tongue [Chorus: fuller harmony layer] Gravel in my mouth Every time I try to speak it out All the sharp edges rolling round I keep biting down Gravel in my mouth Truth is small but it weighs me down I let it grind I let it grind [Bridge: instrumental reduction, bass and vocal only] [Vocal delivery: husky, near-whisper] If I spit it out It’ll cut the ground If I let it fall It’ll make a sound But I’ve learned how to live With the taste of stone How to carry weight Like it’s my own [Drop: drums hit heavier, bass prominent] [Final Chorus: controlled but emotionally open] Gravel in my mouth No river strong enough to wash it out Every sharp word turning round Still I don’t let it out Gravel in my mouth Truth is small but it weighs me down I let it grind I let it grind [Outro: instrumental only, slow fade, unresolved]
