[Intro 4] [Low overdriven guitar, distorted bass and ratcheting percussion] [The groove accelerates, then stops violently] Everything’s going right That’s usually when I ruin it [Verse 1 12] [7/8 grouped 3+2+2; tense dry lead and choked guitar] You left a toothbrush by the sink I stared at it like evidence You said, “We should take a trip in June” I felt a lock click in my chest That night I picked apart the dishes How you loaded every plate Turned a future into conflict Just to slow what felt too safe You thought we fought about the kitchen I was watching something grow Nothing bad was happening That’s when I wanted to go [Pre-Chorus 4] [Drums accelerate; ratcheting clicks tighten] I can ride through any wreckage Barely flinch when something breaks But give me open road ahead I reach for the— [Chorus 8] [Massive 4/4 half-time] [Full-band stop and sub hit on the title] Emergency brake Right when nothing’s in the way I don’t run when love is leaving I run when it might stay Emergency brake Make you prove what isn’t wrong I know how to survive a crash I don’t know how to ride along [Verse 2 12] [Return to 7/8; bass pulls against the drums] Next week you said, “Come meet my sister” I said work had changed the plan You knew I wasn’t scheduled Didn’t make me lie again You said, “Every time we get somewhere You go looking for a fight Like you need an exit open Before you settle in at night” I said, “Maybe we’re just different” You said, “Maybe you’re afraid” I hated how compassion sounded When it called me by my name [Pre-Chorus 4] [Guitar repeatedly starts a phrase but never resolves] You weren’t trying to control me You were asking me to stay There was nothing in my way Except my hand upon the— [Chorus 8] [Massive 4/4 half-time; harsher guitars and clipped vocal doubles] Emergency brake Right when nothing’s in the way I don’t run when love is leaving I run when it might stay Emergency brake Make you prove what isn’t wrong I know how to survive a crash I don’t know how to ride along [Break 4] [Ratcheting percussion accelerates against bass feedback] [Full-speed groove cuts to complete silence] [Verse 3 12] [Dry exposed lead and one low guitar pulse] I was nine, Dad packed the cooler Said we’d leave the house by ten By noon he and Mom were screaming By dark he was gone again Every good day had a trapdoor Every promise had a cost I learned joy was just the moment Before somebody got lost That explains why calm feels dangerous It does not make this your debt You are not the one who taught me But you’re the one who gets the wreck [Bridge 8] [No drums; sustained guitar pressure rises behind the lead] You are not the road I grew up on I am not trapped in that seat Love is not the speed before collision Quiet doesn’t mean “brace your feet” I might feel my hand start reaching I can tell you when it does Fear can ride inside this car It doesn’t get to drive us [Silence: 2s] [Final Chorus 12] [Heavy unwavering 4/4; sustained guitars and open cymbals] [Complete vocal tails replace the earlier clipped delivery] Release the brake There is nothing in the way I don’t have to leave you first To keep you from leaving someday Release the brake Let the good thing gather speed I can love you while I’m frightened You can stay without rescuing me If my hand reaches from habit I’ll say what I feel coming I don’t have to wreck the future Just to prove I saw it coming [Outro 4] [Distortion withdraws; clean guitar and warm bass remain] Your toothbrush beside mine Still there So am I [End][End][End]
