[Intro - Dry voice] I know that heat. Now I know the cost. [Verse 1 - Short hard bars] Voice rises. Jaw locks. Old instinct knocking like it owns the spot. Eyes narrow. Room shrinks. Got a second before I stop thinking. Used to call that power when the anger came, Didn't count what it could take from my name. Been near a moment that could change the lot, Don't need another one to prove I'm tough. Move back. Give space. Let the noise finish without joining the race. One breath feels small when the room goes mad, Still bigger than a choice I can't take back. [Build - Beat cuts] Hold. Look. Think past now. Bring that kick back— I'm not going down. [Chorus - Shouted drop] ONE BREATH! BEFORE THE SNAP! I AIN'T GIVING MY FUTURE TO A SECOND LIKE THAT! HOLD MY LINE! KEEP MY NAME! I CAN FEEL THAT FIRE WITHOUT FEEDING THE FLAME! [Verse 2 - Fast controlled rap] Not pretending I'm calm every time I'm tested, Still have a temper, still need to direct it. Doesn't mean weak when I leave a bad room, Means I've got somewhere better to get to. Can be firm without making it violent, Can say enough without swallowing silence. Different muscle, different kind of grit, Stopping myself when the old urge hits. If they're still shouting, that ain't my instruction, I don't have to help turn a row into destruction. Been that close. Know that view. Got more to protect than a point to prove. [Bridge - Bare piano] Strong enough to act. Strong enough to pause. I want to live With what happens afterwards. [Final Chorus - Full drop] ONE BREATH! BEFORE THE SNAP! I AIN'T GIVING MY FUTURE TO A SECOND LIKE THAT! HOLD MY LINE! KEEP MY NAME! I CAN FEEL THAT FIRE WITHOUT FEEDING THE FLAME!
