[Short Instrumental Intro - dramatic, melancholic, slow power-metal build] [Verse 1 - reflective, solemn, restrained] I thought we had it made, or had to fight to make it true. I was taught to turn the other cheek, to answer hate with open hands. But every wound stayed half-unspoken, while every fever for gold stayed unbroken. What should have brought us peace instead left us with a world we dread. [Chorus - powerful, aching, anthemic] Peace, is it more than silence after war? Peace, or just the fear beneath the calm? For so many years, so many lived inside these fears. So much striving for peace of mind, while the world grows hard, unkind. [Verse 2 - darker, forceful, controlled] They told me peace would come with reason, while fear beneath the calm took hold. Rule belongs to those who hold more power, a bigger stick to make the others yield. So every age builds larger weapons, and names its fear strategic sense. For trust is fragile, but a wall is tall, we’d rather be secure than loved at all. [Chorus - bigger, heavier, emotionally charged] Peace, is it more than silence after war? Peace, or just the fear beneath the calm? For so many years, so many lived inside these fears. So much striving for peace of mind, while the world grows hard, unkind. [Bridge - grave, dramatic, slowly intensifying] A world without peace makes restless minds, and restless minds grow hard, unkind. It polishes the armor and sharpens the blade, while the soul is the price of the deals we make. [Break - half-time, heavy toms, sustained guitars, dark tension, no release] [Chorus - full, heavy, soaring, unresolved] Peace, is it more than silence after war? Peace, or just the fear beneath the calm? For so many years, so many lived inside these fears. So much striving for peace of mind, while the world grows hard, unkind. [Outro - final line lands hard, then instrumental drop into a dark lingering fade] Peace or war, we stand before the gate. Will sticks and stones become our fate?
