[Tempo: 88 BPM | Time: 4/4 | Key: E minor] [Duration Target: 1:05–1:20] [STRICT LENGTH RULE: Intro track only. Do NOT add new sections. Do NOT repeat any section. Do NOT add instrumental intro or outro. Stop immediately at [END].] [Style: intimate modern a cappella female quartet; close-mic; minimal; no instruments] [Vocals: all-female quartet — Lead (mezzo/alto) with 3 harmony voices; harmonies enter gradually; full quartet only in Mini-Chorus] [Performance: tight phrasing; keep each line moving; no long holds (max 2 beats), final word hold max 1 bar] [Intro — Lead Solo] I woke up reaching for control again, Like fear is fuel and I can’t help myself. [Verse — Lead + 2 harmonies only at line ends] I rehearse the worst before I even move, And call it “wisdom” when it’s panic. I grip the day like it’s a steering wheel, White-knuckle tight, I won’t let go. But all that holding never makes me strong— It only makes my whole world louder. [Lift — add high voice only on last word of each line] You don’t demand me perfect to come home, You don’t shame the mess that I’ve become. You just keep saying, steady as my breath: “Let Me carry what you can’t hold.” [Mini-Chorus — Full Quartet, no repeats] Take the crown off of my head now, I don’t want the throne anymore. I trade peace for control each day, And I’m tired of being alone. [Tag — Lead Solo, end immediately] Put You back in the center of me. [END]
