[Intro - The Lost Path] Stoics taught us how to live... in reason, role, & truth… Then came the scroll, the feed, the blur… [Verse 1A – Stoic Voice - Shared Self] Born of reason, tied by thread unseen, Each mind a spark in the world machine. Nature placed no soul above another, We are kin, not stranger, not other (not other...) (not other...) [Verse 1B – Modern Voice - Scrolled Self] We scroll past faces like static feeds, Tribal lines drawn ’round branded needs. Algorithms preach what empathy hides, While lonely gods shout through podcast guides [Refrain - Running Numb] We burned the map to warm our hands, Forgot the cost of making plans. Now we run but don’t arrive Mistaking numb for being alive (alive...) [Verse 2A – Stoic Voice - Carved Self] Within each soul, a nature set apart, Not shaped by crowds, but carved by heart. The task is simple: be what you were made Not praised by men, but inwardly obeyed [Verse 2B - Modern Voice - Branded Self] They taught me to build what gets applause, Filter my flaws and flatten my cause. Sold me a brand I could wear like skin, Now I don’t know where I end or begin (begin...) [Refrain - Drift from Truth] We burned the map to warm our hands, Forgot the cost of making plans. Now we run but don’t arrive Mistaking numb for being alive (for being alive...) [Verse 3A – Stoic Voice - Honored Role] The role you wear is not your soul’s disguise, But virtue’s mask, if worn with open eyes. A father’s grace, a builder’s steady hand Not born of pride, but duty’s quiet stand (quite stand...) (quite stand...) [Verse 3B - Modern Voice - Scripted Life] Titles bind like chains in gold veneer, They script your life, then sell you fear. Work, obey, perform, repeat While your real name’s buried beneath your seat.. (your seat...) (your seat...) [Refrain - Drift from Truth] We burned the map to warm our hands, Forgot the cost of making plans. Now we run but don’t arrive Mistaking numb for being alive [Verse 4A – Stoic Voice - Chosen Self ] Choose not the path that draws the crowd’s acclaim, One where conscience speaks your name. The flame you guard must light your way, For borrowed dreams will never stay (never stay...) (stay...) (stay...) [Verse 4B – Modern Voice - Sold A Dream] They handed me maps with someone else’s route, Promised success, just follow and mute. Now I scroll for signs of who to be, But no one’s selling how to be free (be free...) (be free...) (be free...) (be free...) [Refrain Drift from Truth] We burned the map to warm our hands, Forgot the cost of making plans. Now we run but don’t arrive Mistaking numb for being alive (for being alive...) (for begin alive...)
