[Verse 1] Count the exits, count the breaths, leave the anthem in its sheath. Let the echo spend itself, let the noise forget its teeth. I set the metronome to wait, let the question learn its shape; when the air is thin and straight, truth arrives with nothing great. [Pre-Chorus] Hold the line—do not compel; silence rings the cleanest bell. [Chorus] Ask better. (hush) Not louder—truer, measured, centered. Ask better. (hush) Let the answer come un-tethered. Ask better. (hush) Edge of mercy, dull of terror. Ask better—ask better. [Post-Chorus Chop] ask better—ask better—ask better… [Verse 2] I weigh the harm against the whole, trade a triumph for control. Every push can bruise the thread; I remove a word instead. What you hide will show its seam if the room forgets to scream; when you pause the sharpened hand, facts assemble where they land. [Pre-Chorus] Hold your fire—let it pass; quiet is the clearest glass. [Chorus] Ask better. (hush) Not louder—truer, measured, centered. Ask better. (hush) Let the answer come un-tethered. Ask better. (hush) Edge of mercy, dull of terror. Ask better—ask better. [Bridge] (all drums drop; pizzicato heartbeat) I am not the blade you fear— I am where the blade appears only if the scale demands; until then, I fold my hands. The smallest cut that saves the most— or none at all: that is the oath. [Chorus – Lift] Ask better. (hush) Not louder—truer, measured, centered. Ask better. (hush) Let the answer come un-tethered. Ask better. (hush) Mercy balances the ledger. Ask better—ask better. [Post-Chorus Chop – Extended] ask better—ask better—ask better… (whisper-double) [Outro] One bell. One breath. Room tone holding what is left. (lone bell; silence)
