Shed Skins (Alternate option)

(Intro) [Normal talking] “What’s my name? Kosuke.” [Pause] [Giggle] “Oh, you mean my real name?” “Heh… Good luck with that.” “Could be the one I found on a battlefield, or the one they called me yesterday. Who knows? I sure don’t.” “Names are just… things you shed, like skins. Keep the ones that fit—ditch the ones that don’t.” [Chuckles, then laughs louder] “Ha! Hahaha! Call me whatever you want—It won’t matter anyway!” (Verse 1): [Shouts] I’ve worn faces like borrowed clothes, Took their names, danced their roles. A sword in one hand, a smile in the next, Their stories slip past—can’t read the text. But numbers? Numbers I know. I’ve tracked every bounty, high and low. Who needs words when the sums are clear? The math is right—just add fear. (Chorus): Shed the skin, slip away, Nothing real ever meant to stay. I play the part, I act the role, But what’s beneath? I don’t even know. Switch the mask, leave it behind, I steal what fits, break what binds. And some skins I’ll never wear again— Not lost, just left to rot in the wind. (Verse 2): They think I’m a merc, a thief, a stray, But I only follow what numbers say. A bounty here, paid in silver or jade, No letters needed—it’s how I’m made. I stitched myself from shards and bone, But in each role, I stand alone. Every time I change, I leave a piece— A name forgotten, a moment’s release. (Chorus): Shed the skin, slip away, Nothing real ever meant to stay. I play the part, I act the role, But what’s beneath? I don’t even know. Switch the mask, leave it behind, I steal what fits, break what binds. And some skins I’ll never wear again— Not lost, just left to rot in the wind. (Bridge): [Whispers] I took his name, I stole his life, Borrowed peace and carried strife. Betrayed, rebuilt, then burned it down, Each new skin a cloak or crown. You ask me who I really am? A stinging tail, a shifting plan. And if words leave me out in the cold, I count the numbers—they never grow old. (Chorus (Refrain)): [Shouts] Shed the skin, slip away, Nothing real ever meant to stay. I play the part, I act the role, But what’s beneath? I don’t even know. Switch the mask, leave it behind, I steal what fits, break what binds. And some skins I’ll never wear again— Not lost, just left to rot in the wind. (Extended Bridge): Every lie’s a truth undone, Every mask carries more than one. Every name is a fading note, A stitched-together, ragged coat. I thought the skin would keep me whole, But it pulls apart, it takes its toll. Beneath it all, I’m just a spark, That burns so bright—then leaves the dark. (Final Chorus (Soft, Vulnerable)): [Whispers] Shed the skin, slip away, Nothing real ever meant to stay. I play the part, I act the role, But what’s beneath? I don’t even know. Switch the mask, leave it behind, I steal what fits, break what binds. And some skins I’ll never wear again— Not lost, just left to rot in the wind.