Climb the ladder, watch it splinter Every rung cuts a little deeper They clap and smile while you’re bleeding Say “congratulations” through their teeth Gold plating on a hollow frame Spotlights burn away your name You smile for the cameras, perfect pain While the real you rots inside the machine [Pre-Chorus] Nobody tells you when you get there The air gets thin, the silence screams [Chorus] This is the dream, right? Top of the world, but you’re terrified of heights Crown of wires, king of nothing Success tastes like rust and lightning Flip the switch, watch it all go dark Who the hell are you when the applause stops? [Verse 2] Penthouse views and empty rooms Notifications like a noose They want the product, not the truth You sold your shadow for the proof Friends turned into avatars Love turned into avatars Every upgrade leaves a scar Now you’re running on reserve [Pre-Chorus] Nobody warned you ‘bout the summit How victory feels like falling [Chorus] This is the dream, right? Top of the world, but you’re terrified of heights Crown of wires, king of nothing Success tastes like rust and lightning Flip the switch, watch it all go dark Who the hell are you when the applause stops? [Bridge] (half-spoken / atmospheric, building tension) And the higher you climb… The less of you remains… Every step forward Leaves pieces on the ground… [Final Chorus] This is the dream… Top of the world and you’re burning up inside Crown of wires, bleeding monarch Success is just a pretty lie Trip the switch — let it all collapse At least then you’ll know who you really are… Top of the Fall
