### **[Intro – 0:00–0:20]** *Minimal piano, low drones, close-mic breath, no rhythm yet* *(almost spoken, fragile)* I never thought this would be my life… loving you like this. *(breath, silence)* --- ### **[Verse 1 – 0:20–0:50]** *[Intimate, restrained, legato phrasing]* I learned how to smile without being seen, Hold my breath in rooms where love should’ve been. I count every word so I don’t start a war, I make myself smaller than I was before. --- ### **[Pre-Chorus – 0:50–1:05]** *[Subtle lift, harmony ghosts underneath]* I could leave tonight, I know how the door sounds, But their little hands keep pulling me back down. --- ### **[Chorus – 1:05–1:35]** *[Emotional swell, still controlled — no belt]* I would rather die than live like this, But I stay breathing for the sake of them. If love is a cage, I’m learning the bars — I’ll break myself quietly to keep them unharmed. *[stacked “I stay… I stay…” whispers]* --- ### **[Verse 2 – 1:35–2:05]** *[More narrative, slightly darker tone]* You sleep like a stranger right next to my skin, I stare at the ceiling, replaying my sins. You don’t even touch me, but I still feel owned, I’ve never felt so lonely not being alone. --- ### **[Pre-Chorus – 2:05–2:20]** *[Harmony tension increases]* They laugh in the morning, they still feel safe — So I swallow my truth and I stay. --- ### **[Chorus – 2:20–2:50]** *[Repeat, heavier emotionally]* I would rather die than live like this, But I stay breathing for the sake of them. I bury my needs where they’ll never be found, If this is survival — I won’t make a sound. --- ### **[Bridge – 2:50–3:20]** *[Stripped back, almost spoken, ASMR close]* One day they’ll be older, they won’t need my skin, Maybe then I’ll remember who I was before him. But tonight I stay still, I don’t scream, I don’t run — I choose them. Every time. Every one. --- ### **[Final Chorus – 3:20–3:55]** *[Fullest moment, layered harmonies, restrained power]* I would rather die than live like this, But loving them is the choice I live with. If I disappear inside this life — Just know I survived for them. Not for him. --- ### **[Outro – 3:55–4:15]** *[Piano decay, breath, unresolved chord]* *[whispered]* I’ll carry it. I always do. ---
