[Intro — sub-bass pulse, distant guitar] You keep looking over your shoulder. I’m not behind you. Not yet. [Instrumental] [Verse 1 — male, low and intimate] Everybody runs from midnight like the morning makes them safe. Lock the windows. Draw the curtains. Still, nobody gets away. You can count another day. You can beg the clock for more. But I have never needed knocking. Everybody leaves a door. [Beat strips down] Relax. I’m patient. [Chorus] Don’t fear the Reaper. I don’t need to chase. Every road gets quieter the closer to my place. I won't pull you under. I won't call your name. Live as long as you can, darling. I'll be waiting just the same. [DROP — deep 808s, distorted guitar and cello] [Verse 2] You expected something colder. Something cruel behind the veil. Teeth and chains and empty eyes— Some old, familiar tale. But death is rarely dramatic. Sometimes death just takes your hand. No thunder. No great warning. Just the end of where you stand. [Long instrumental] [Bridge — almost spoken] Dance. Drink. Love somebody badly. Waste a night. Waste a year. I have watched a million people spend their lives rehearsing fear. Don't save anything for later. Later never made a vow. If there's something worth becoming— Become it now. [Silence] I can wait. [Heavy bass returns] [Final Chorus] Don’t fear the Reaper. I don't need your trust. Every king becomes a memory. Every body becomes dust. So kiss her like you mean it. Make a beautiful mistake. I'm not asking you to follow. I'm reminding you— you're awake. [Instrumental drop] [Outro — male whisper] Run if you want. Live if you can. That's the point. I'll understand.
