[intro – low guitar drone, slow tom hits] (Mm…) Yeah… [verse 1 – hushed, smoky vocal] I’ve been runnin’ from the weight on my back, Chasin’ shadows down a one-way track. Every shortcut leaves you broken and sore, Every easy fix just asks for more. I’ve tasted both sides of the knife, The sweet escape, the bitter life. [pre-chorus – guitars swell] You pay in sweat or you pay in regret, Either way, the debt ain’t gone yet. [chorus – explosive, gritty power] It’s bitter or better, choose how you bleed, Discipline cuts, but it’s what I need. It’s bitter or better, both hurt the same, But one builds fire, the other builds shame. Bitter or better, the line I walk, Burnin’ down fear on a ticking clock. [verse 2 – heavier riff, more grit in the voice] I’ve been fooled by the promise of ease, But it always ends with broken knees. You can drown in the comfort you crave, Or rise from the fire you brave. Every scar’s a crown I’ve worn, Every trial a blade I’ve torn. [pre-chorus – growl rising] You pay in sweat or you pay in regret, The price is set, don’t forget. [chorus – repeat, louder guitars] It’s bitter or better, choose how you bleed, Discipline cuts, but it’s what I need. It’s bitter or better, both hurt the same, But one builds fire, the other builds shame. Bitter or better, the line I walk, Burnin’ down fear on a ticking clock. [bridge – breakdown, moody and haunting] Don’t pray for the easy road, The easy road will eat your soul. Don’t beg for the night to end, It’s the dark that makes you whole. [guitar solo – soaring, emotional] [final chorus – biggest lift, layered vocals + growl] It’s bitter or better, choose how you bleed, Discipline cuts, but it’s what I need. It’s bitter or better, both hurt the same, But one builds fire, the other builds shame. Bitter or better, the line I walk, Burnin’ down fear on a ticking clock. [outro – guitar feedback fading into silence] (Mm…) Bitter or better… Choose how you bleed.
