Stay Until the Morning

# **STAY UNTIL THE MORNING** **[Lyric Prompt: The music is catastrophically heavy—downtuned guitars, blast beats, crushing breakdowns, orchestral swells, and walls of distortion. The lead vocal remains intimate and melodic throughout, as though singing directly into her ear.]** **[Verse 1]** You're getting colder in my arms, But I won't let you go. I'll keep you safe The only way I know. Your heartbeat stumbles, Finds its place, Then disappears again. So I'll pretend You're only tired... And you'll wake up then. --- **[Pre-Chorus]** Don't spend your strength Trying to speak. Just close your eyes... And lean on me. --- **[Chorus]** Stay... Until the morning. Stay... Just one more dawn. If love could breathe Enough for two, I'd give you every one. Stay... I know you're hurting. Stay... You don't have to fight. I'll hold the world Outside your door Until it turns to light. --- **[Verse 2]** Your hand still fits Inside of mine The way it always has. I'm counting breaths Like counting stars... Afraid they'll be the last. The room grows smaller. Time stands still. The silence says enough. I'd trade tomorrow, Every dream, For just one minute's love. --- **[Bridge]** If I could carry Every wound, I'd wear them without fear. If I could bargain With the night, I'd gladly disappear. But all I have Are shaking hands... A breaking heart... Your fading breath. --- **[Breakdown]** **[Lyric Prompt: The heaviest breakdown in the song. The instruments become overwhelming while the vocal is nearly whispered.]** It's okay... You don't have to Hold on... For me. I'll remember Your laugh. I'll remember Your eyes. I'll remember... Everything. --- **[Final Chorus]** Stay... Until the morning. Stay... If only in my arms. I'll tell the sun To wait for you. I'll keep you safe From harm. And if the dawn Should steal you Before I can say goodbye... Go knowing this— The last thing that you felt... Was love and not a lie.