Stranger in the Mirror ( Featuring Strom Born Renegade)

[Intro — Male, distorted whisper] I know that face. I've worn it every day. [Whispered Voice] Then why does it look at you Like you're the one who's changed? [Male — Distorted Whisper] Shut up. [Whispered Voice] Make me. [Full Band — Shouted] WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?! [Verse 1 — Male, rapid thrash shout] I learned to speak with a locked jaw, Turned every feeling into a flaw. Kept my hands clean, kept my eyes down, Built a fortress out of solid ground. Every little piece I pushed away, Came back wearing my face someday. I buried the doubt, I buried the fear— Now something on the other side is here! [Pre-Chorus — Whispered Voice, building] You call it discipline. I call it denial. You've been running from yourself For a thousand miles! [Male — Low and Punchy] I KNOW WHO I AM! [Whispered Voice — Explosive] THEN SAY IT AGAIN! [Chorus — Male, shouted] STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! WHY DO YOU WEAR MY FACE? STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! WHY DO YOU KNOW MY NAME? I built these walls to keep you out, But now you're living in my doubt! STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! TELL ME WHICH ONE OF US IS REAL! [Verse 2 — Male, cutting shout] You made a weapon out of pain, Then wondered why you couldn't feel again. You sharpened every word you said, Until the blade turned toward your head. You blame the world for what you've become, But every choice was another rung. You want a villain you can destroy— BUT YOU CAN'T KILL WHAT YOU CALL YOURSELF! [Pre-Chorus — Call and Response] [Male] You don't know me! [Whispered Voice] I KNOW YOUR FEAR! [Male] You can't control me! [Whispered Voice] I'VE ALWAYS BEEN HERE! [Both] THE FACE YOU HATE IS THE ONE YOU WEAR! [Chorus — Male, heavier] STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! WHY DO YOU WEAR MY FACE? STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! WHY DO YOU KNOW MY NAME? I built these walls to keep you out, But now you're living in my doubt! STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! TELL ME WHICH ONE OF US IS REAL! [Breakdown — Half-time, filthy stop-start] [Male — Low] I made you. [Whispered Voice — Screamed] YOU FED ME! [Male] I buried you. [Whispered Voice] YOU NEED ME! [Male] I CONTROL YOU! [Whispered Voice] THEN WHY CAN'T YOU CONTROL YOURSELF?! [One Beat of Silence] [Both — Massive Impact] LOOK AT ME! [Breakdown — Gang Shouts] WHO MADE THE MONSTER? WE DID! WHO BUILT THE CAGE? WE DID! WHO HOLDS THE KEY? WE DO! THEN WHAT THE HELL ARE WE WAITING FOR?! [Bridge — Whispered Voice, tense and intimate] I am the anger you never named, The quiet fear beneath your rage. I am the truth you wouldn't face, Not some stranger you can erase. [Male — Raw and exposed] If I let you speak, Will you tear me apart? [Whispered Voice — Clear, forceful] I'm not here to take your life. I'm here to give it back. [Build — Both] NO MORE HIDING! NO MORE LIES! I WILL LOOK MYSELF IN THE EYES! [Final Chorus — Full power] STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! I FINALLY KNOW YOUR FACE! STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! WE'VE BOTH BEEN IN THIS PLACE! I built these walls, I drew these lines, Now I face the truth I left behind! STRANGER IN THE MIRROR! NO MORE WAR WITH WHAT I FEEL! I DON'T NEED TO KILL THE OTHER HALF— I NEED TO MAKE THIS WHOLE! [Outro — Spooky carnival bounce, playful menace] [Male — Quiet] Who are you? [Whispered Voice — Calm] Whoever you choose to be. [Both — Final Hit] LOOK AGAIN.