[Intro – drums & riff only] (heavy groove, breathing space) [Verse 1] You come around when the night feels thin, when I almost learned to breathe again. You light the fire then you step aside, leave me alone with what’s inside. I held my ground, I bit my tongue, told myself I didn’t need no one. But every time I hear your name, my blood remembers all the same. [Pre-Chorus] I didn’t ask for perfect love, I didn’t ask to feel enough. I just want to know the truth — why you only show when I’m almost through. [Chorus – SHOUTED] **WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?** When I was breaking, when I was weak. **WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?** When I needed more than sleep. You show up now, like nothing’s wrong, like I haven’t waited all this long. So tell me — don’t pretend again… **WHERE. HAVE. YOU. BEEN?** [Verse 2] You light me up, then you pull away, like loving me is just a phase. You hold my face, you dodge my eyes, you talk forever — but never decide. I’m not your stop along the way, not your comfort when you’re afraid. If you want me, say it clean, don’t come crawling in between. [Pre-Chorus] I’m tired of the almosts and maybes, tired of being your maybe. If you’re here — then stand your ground, don’t disappear without a sound. [Chorus – BIGGER, ANGRIER] **WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?** All those nights I stood alone. **WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?** Calling silence my home. You touch my soul, then you let me fall, like loving me costs nothing at all. Look at me — don’t lie again… **WHERE. HAVE. YOU. BEEN?** [Bridge – half sung, half screamed] Don’t tell me timing, don’t tell me fear. If you wanted me — you’d already be here. [Break – band drops, vocal raw] I’m still standing. Still burning. Still here. [Final Chorus – FULL FORCE] **WHERE HAVE YOU BEEEEEN?!** When I was holding on by skin. **WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!** Every time I let you in. If you’re coming now — say it plain, or leave me standing in the rain. No answers left. No might-have-beens. Just tell me… **WHERE. HAVE. YOU. BEEN?** [Outro – instruments carry it] (no resolution)
