The Man Who Laughed

(Verse 1 – Brooding, slow build) Once, I had a love, once, I had a name, Once, I had a future that wasn't bathed in flame. But the Dark War came, the sky burned red, And when the screams had faded, they were dead. So I took up the sword, let the blood run free, Let war and slaughter make a wretch of me. Through centuries I carved my fate, But death won't come—so now, I wait. (Pre-Chorus – Growing intensity) A hero? A fool. A ghost wrapped in steel, With a curse that won't let the wounds ever heal. I vanish, I flicker, lost in the dream, Reality shatters, nothing's as it seems. (Chorus – Dark, grand, almost triumphant) If fate won’t claim me, I’ll tear it apart! I’ll be the villain, I’ll blacken my heart! Since mercy has failed me and death will not call, I’ll bring down the heavens, I’ll shatter them all! If heroes won’t slay me, then let them all kneel, For I am the nightmare that laughter concealed! (Verse 2 – Mocking, dramatic) They call me mad, they say I’ve lost, But I see the truth—I'm the only real cost! Evil can’t kill me, I've learned that too well, So I’ll play the monster and drag it to hell! I joined the witch, I serve her will, But mark my words, I’m waiting still. One day, the blade will bite too deep, And I'll finally, finally sleep. (Pre-Chorus – Sinister, almost whispered) But until that day, let the banners fall, Let kingdoms tremble, let cowards crawl. I’ll raise the storm, I’ll stoke the fire, If death won’t take me, I’ll climb even higher. (Chorus – Full power, orchestral, villainous grandeur) If fate won’t claim me, I’ll tear it apart! I’ll be the villain, I’ll blacken my heart! Since mercy has failed me and death will not call, I’ll bring down the heavens, I’ll shatter them all! If heroes won’t slay me, then let them all kneel, For I am the nightmare that laughter concealed! (Bridge – Almost spoken, seething with rage and sorrow) Let them fear me, let them curse my name, Let them try to stop me—it’s all the same. I was a man, I was whole, I was real, Now I am nothing, and nothing can feel. (Final Chorus – Climactic, defiant, unhinged laughter weaving through the lines) So burn it all down, let the world break! I’ll laugh in the ruins, I’ll dance in the quake! If I am forsaken, then I’ll play my role, Let gods weep in terror—I’ve taken control! (Outro – Haunting, fading laughter, softer, almost wistful) And maybe one day, when the blood runs dry, When the stars go black and the heroes die, I’ll find the grave that waits for me, And sleep at last… beneath the sea. (Soft, echoing laughter… then silence.)