[Intro – Instrumental Build] [*Accordion and violin trade licks while percussion ticks in sync with gear FX. A rising steam hiss swells to explode into the verse beat.*] [Spoken, over music] “Grease your gears, boys... the Empire’s clock is ticking.” [Verse 1] I was born in the gutter where the clocks don’t chime Wrench in my fist and revenge on my mind The nobles sip steam while we burn in the grime— But the cogs are aligned, and it’s riot time Steel-laced boots, black smoke in my grin Crank that lever, let the bastards spin We ain’t their toys, we’re the storm they designed— Now their gilded machine is running outta time [Chorus] Tick-tock! Boom goes the crown! Raise your fists, burn the system down! Brass and blood, steam and spark! Strike the match and ignite the dark! Gear up! Time’s on our side! Clockwork hearts never run or hide! From gutter to sky, we rise as one— Revolt ain't over ‘til the ticking’s done! [Verse 2] I’ve danced with gears and I’ve dined on rust Pulled nobles from thrones, turned jewels to dust They tightened the screws, but we broke every chain— Their empire leaks oil, and we’re the flame Got a whistle in my chest and fire in my veins We built their world on broken chains Now the steam's gone wild, and the valves can’t hold— We’re comin’ in hot, strike brass, strike bold! [Chorus Repeat] Tick-tock! Boom goes the crown! Raise your fists, burn the system down! Brass and blood, steam and spark! Strike the match and ignite the dark! Gear up! Time’s on our side! Clockwork hearts never run or hide! From gutter to sky, we rise as one— Revolt ain't over ‘til the ticking’s done! [Bridge – Instrumental Break / Call-and-Response] [*Violin solo backed by accordion and snare drum*] [Spoken Interlude over breakdown – megaphone effect]: “Wage slaves! Cog rats! Dust-bitten dreamers— From the soot to the skyline—your time has come.” [Crowd Chant, repeat]: “Wrenches high! Wrenches high! Let the lords hear the people's cry!” [*Guitar Riff → Bass Drop → Lead into Final Chorus*] [Final Chorus – Double Tempo] Tick-tock! Boom goes the throne! Strike your spark ‘til the wires are blown! Brass and blood, steam and flame! The revolution wears no name! Sparks fly! Cogs break free! We’re the rhythm of the rising spree! From back alley shadows to neon sun— We march in time… ‘Til the last tick’s done! [Outro – Slow Waltz Breakdown] [*Organ + Violin duet plays a haunting reprise of the chorus melody*] "We are the ghosts in the gears... We are the chimes of their end..." [*FX: Clock slows… slows… final click.*]
