[Verse 1 – quiet, tired, vulnerable] I want to get up, I want to begin, I want to feel normal under my skin. I want to help, I want to try, I want to stop watching the days pass by. I see the world moving fast outside, Everyone running, everyone fine. I tie my shoes, I stand up straight, But my body freezes at the starting gate. [Pre-Chorus – restrained, shaky voice] I swear I’m trying harder than it looks, I’m fighting battles no one ever took. [Chorus – emotional, cracking, slightly louder] I want to, but I can’t, And it kills me to say it out loud. I want to work, I want to function, Like everyone else in the crowd. I take one step forward, Then I’m pulled right back again. I want to, God I want to… But I can’t. [Verse 2 – heavier, worn down, frustrated] I want to help, I want to be there, Carry my weight, prove that I care. I want to be useful, steady and strong, Not feel like I’ve been doing life wrong. I push myself, I give my best, Smile through the pressure in my chest. I try to move, I try to stand, But the ground keeps slipping from my hands. [Pre-Chorus – bitter, breathy, controlled] They say “just try”, like it’s that simple, Like effort fixes what’s broken inside. [Chorus – louder, rawer, emotionally exposed] I want to, but I can’t, And I hate how weak that sounds. I want to function, want to keep up, But I keep falling down. I take one step forward, Two steps back again. I want to, I really want to… But I can’t. [Bridge – stripped back, almost spoken, exhausted] This isn’t laziness, this isn’t fear, This is me fighting just to stay here. If wanting was enough to survive, I’d be living a different life. [Final Chorus – softer start, then fuller, resigned strength] I want to, but I can’t, Still I wake up and I try. I want to help, I want to work, I want a reason why. I take one step forward, Then the ground gives in. I want to… I’m trying… Even when I can’t. [Outro – very soft, fragile, fading] I want to. I really do.
