My Brother

[ukulele single notes, slow and hollow] [soft inhale] [glitchy whisper: man chay…] [Verse 1] Man Chay… we ain’t done, not even close I mean it bro, every song I write — you know I don’t boast I wrote this kinda message like a thousand times Tryna say what I can’t fit between the lines [broken tape FX] You’re not some fading dream Not some memory that’s stuck behind a movie screen I ain’t walked away — I’ve been right here Even when life feels heavy, even when it burns your ears [sad digital beeps] [Pre-Chorus] Yeah, I love this girl — you know that’s true But that don’t replace anything with you Don’t forget the talks, the nights we pushed through Brothers ain’t chosen… but I’d still choose you [soft rising hum] [Chorus] I ain’t leavin’ — not today, not ever Even when the world tries to cut that tether When your heart hurts, I feel that pressure You’re my brother, man — that bond don’t sever [echo: never… never…] And yeah, she’s my world, but hear this clearly: In that world, you’re still standing near me Pain, joy, life — you share it dearly You matter more than you think, sincerely [heart-beat FX] [Verse 2] Sometimes I see you drift Like you’re scared you’ll lose your grip Like you think I’ll choose her and let you slip Bro, breathe — I got you, tight as a zip [glitchy wobble] We’ve laughed till it hurt We’ve cried in the dirt We’ve talked about scars we didn’t deserve You’re family first Before any verse Before any girl Before the whole world [soft static crack] [Bridge] [filtered falsetto] If you feel alone at night Play this back under the light Hear my voice say “you’re alright” I’m here — I’ve always been right by your side [echoed harmonics] [Final Chorus] I ain’t leavin’ — not for nothin’ If you fall, I’ll help you up again Bro, I swear on everything You’re not someone I’d trade for anything Yeah, I love this girl — but you’re my brother Always were, always will — like no other Life’ll change, but we hold each other And that won’t break Not now, not ever [fade out: ukulele + digital warp]