[Intro] You ask me if it’s fast. I say, “Hold on.” The restraints come down. Green light. Go. [Verse 1] We leave the station laughing, lights running underneath. Three. Two. One— The whole world disappears. You scream because you love it. Then we pass the place where I remember there being a door. [Pre-Chorus] I wait for the brakes. Nothing. I wait for the lights. Nothing. You look at me. “Auntie— is this still the ride?” [Chorus] Hold onto my hand. Hold onto my hand. The speed isn’t right. The air isn’t right. Whatever happens— don’t let go of my hand. [Verse 2] The vehicle stops. No music. No voice. The restraints rise by themselves. No exit sign. No attendant. No platform. Just a floor of light running out beneath us. “Auntie— are we supposed to get out?” “Not yet.” Because you still think someone built this. And I know nobody did. [Pre-Chorus] Something moves across the towers. Every light turns our way. You reach for me. This time you don’t have to ask. [Chorus] This isn’t the ride. Stay close to me. Whatever you hear, whatever calls your name— stay close to me. This isn’t the ride. Don’t let go of my hand. We came in together. We’re going back the same way we came. [Bridge] Run. The floor lights up behind our feet. Run. That sound again— closer now. There— a break in the sky. Not a door. Close enough. Ten seconds. I can hear the ride on the other side. I push you through. “Auntie!” I jump— [Break] Green light. [Final Chorus] This was just a ride. That’s what they say. Everybody stands and walks away. This was just a ride. Everything is where it should be now. So why are you still holding my hand? [Outro] Outside, the sun is too bright. You ask me, “Was it real?” I tell you I don’t know. Then I open my hand. Something still glows.
