[Production Notes: The mix should feel "small" in the verses—mono or narrow stereo field. When the chorus hits, pan the guitars hard left and right to physically widen the sonic space, simulating the desire to break out of the "reality."] [Intro: Four bars of just the bass guitar playing a plodding, heavy riff. No treble.] … [On the fifth bar, the acoustic guitar enters—strumming a single chord with a rigid, down-stroke rhythm.] … [Verse 1: The vocals enter right on the beat. The delivery is rhythmic and clipped.] Radiator hiss, a snake in the wall Dead light crawling down the hall I count the cracks above my head One for alive, and four for dead The coffee is burnt, the screen is blue Nothing old and nothing new Every atom in its place Staring back at my own face [Pre-Chorus: The drums switch from a rim click to a floor tom roll—building the pressure.] Touch the table (It’s solid wood) Touch my arm (It’s flesh and blood) Touch the silence (Understood) [Chorus: EXPLOSION. The "wall of sound" kicks in. The tempo doesn't change, but the volume doubles. The vocals turn into a strained yell.] But where is the ghost?! Where is the hum?! I’m drowning in the pavement! I’m choking on the sum! It’s just reality! (There’s nothing else!) It’s just reality! (And nothing helps!) [Verse 2: abrupt cut back to the "small" sound. The acoustic guitar returns, but the feedback from the chorus lingers for a second before fading.] Drag the dog around the concrete square Static filling up the empty air Neighbor waves a plastic hand Everything goes exactly as planned No monsters hiding in the dark No magic spark to hit the mark Just dust bunnies and old shoes And nothing left for me to lose [Instrumental Break: 8 bars. The guitar plays a discordant, bending solo that mimics a siren. It sounds uncomfortable and out of tune.] [Bridge: The music drops to just the bass and a kick drum. The vocals are a "Hoarse whisper."] I’m waiting for the glitch I’m waiting for the sign I’m waiting for the water to turn into wine But the water is just wet And the wine is just cheap And I have promises to keep That I don't believe in [Guitar Solo: Chaotic, high-pitched screeching that mirrors the melody of the chorus but destroys it.] [Chorus: Maximum volume. The vocalist sounds like they are tearing their throat.] Where is the ghost?! Where is the hum?! I’m drowning in the pavement! I’m choking on the sum! In this reality! (Something is lacking!) In this reality! (The sky is cracking!) But nothing shines through! [Outro: The instruments cut out one by one, leaving just the radiator hiss sample from the intro.] (Spoken, flatly) It's just reality. And it's not enough. [End]
