[Intro: Low pulsing bass, distant tremolo guitar, no drums] It was almost morning But not quite [Verse 1 – soft, restrained] Books stacked high against the silence Candles bending at the flame I said her name into the darkness And the darkness said the same Every shadow looked familiar Every sound became a sign I told myself I wasn’t waiting For an answer from the night [Chorus – subtle, mantra-like] Nevermore Say it once and say it slow Nevermore Like you already know [Verse 2 – drums enter lightly] Then the tapping started softly Like a thought I couldn’t shake Just a knock inside my ribcage Just a memory awake I opened up the window Let the winter in to breathe There it stood in patient blackness Like it had been sent for me [Chorus – slightly fuller] Nevermore Not tomorrow, not before Nevermore What are you waiting for? [Escalation Section – rhythm intensifies, vocal more urgent] You’re not a bird You’re not a sign You’re just the echo Of her mind in mine You sit above the doorframe Like judgment carved in bone You don’t have to say it I already know [Instrumental build: Bass louder, guitars layered, drums heavier] [Final Chorus – emotional release] Nevermore It’s the word I can’t ignore Nevermore I won’t ask you anymore Nevermore But I ask you anyway [Outro – instruments strip back to bass pulse] Stay If you’re only going to say Nevermore
