[Verse 1] They started callin’ me Gus when my life fell apart Smiled on the outside, whole war in my heart Easy to answer to a name that wasn’t mine ‘Cause Jeremy was broken, couldn’t look him in the eyes Gus walked in, took the hits, took the blame Wore every scar like it came with the name Kept everybody out, built walls with pride If you met Gus… you never met what’s inside He could laugh with the room, then cry in the dark Tell you he was straight while he fell apart That nickname turned into somewhere I could hide A mask fit better than the man inside ⸻ [Pre-Chorus] I don’t need another face to survive I ain’t runnin’ from my own life Mirror say, “Who you tryna fool?” Can’t heal if I’m hidin’ from you ⸻ [Chorus] Kill Gus… let Jeremy breathe Finally cuttin’ loose everything I don’t need I ain’t buryin’ a man, I’m buryin’ the pain Leave that mask in the dirt, I ain’t wearin’ it again Kill Gus… let Jeremy live Learnin’ how to love what God already give Next time they ask me, “What’s your name?” I’ma smile and say Jeremy… I ain’t ashamed ⸻ [Verse 2] Gus was survival, Jeremy’s growth One learned to numb it, one finally got hope I blamed the world for a long damn time Till accountability forced me to climb Every bad choice got written in ink Thought I was too far gone, right on the brink Then I looked in the mirror and finally knew The only person left I had to answer to I don’t hate Gus, I know why he came He protected a kid that was drownin’ in shame But seasons change, even armor get heavy Can’t carry yesterday if tomorrow already ready ⸻ [Bridge] Tell my past I appreciate the cover But I don’t need another undercover God ain’t call my nickname when He opened that door He called Jeremy… like never before ⸻ [Final Chorus] Kill Gus… let Jeremy breathe I ain’t chained to the man I pretended to be Every scar still there but they don’t own me now Standin’ on my own name, I finally know how Kill Gus… let Jeremy rise No more hidin’ pain behind different eyes If you ask who I am, I ain’t duckin’ the truth Jeremy survived… now Jeremy’s proof ⸻ [Outro] They can keep the nickname. I’m keepin’ my life. You can call me Jeremy.
