[Global Vocal Rule: Every vocal sound must use clearly intelligible written lyrics. Backing vocals may repeat exact lyric phrases only. No humming, non-lexical syllables, sighs, vocalizing, or wordless transitions.] [Opening Signal - low female lead begins immediately over muted electric piano and isolated bass impacts] I know the word you are waiting for. I know exactly what to say. I know how to make it sound convincing In more than one language. I just do not know How to make it true. [First Movement - restrained rhythmic vocal, clipped percussion gradually enters] You ask me what I am thinking. I give you something clean. A sentence with no sharpest edges, Nothing difficult beneath. I conjugate around the feeling, Choose the safest point of view. I can make myself understood Without revealing anything to you. I know where every accent falls. I know what every silence means. But when the subject turns to wanting, Every language fails me. [Central Refrain - smooth addictive melody, deep bass punctuating key words] I know six ways to tell you I’m fine. None of them mean it tonight. Every word dies somewhere between us, But I never lose you when I write. I can translate every sentence, Make the meaning come out right. But feelings are another language, And I only speak them when I write. [Crossed Wires - tighter rhythm, tense piano, lyric echoes repeat exact words] I say, “It does not matter.” It matters more than I can stand. I say, “Do whatever you want.” I mean, “Please understand.” I say, “You do not owe me.” I mean, “I wish you wanted to.” Every sentence leaves my mouth Already translated into something untrue. You hear the words I offered. You answer what I said. Then I resent the conversation For the truth I never gave. [Short Refrain - melody altered, colder and more frustrated] Translation error. Meaning lost. I made it easy. I paid the cost. You heard me clearly. That is the worst part. The sentence arrived. It just was not my heart. [Second Movement - warmer low vocal, restrained drums and deep soft bass] Music never interrupts me. It never watches while I freeze. It lets me finish every thought Before deciding what it means. I can hide inside a melody And still be more honest than before. I can turn a quiet ache Into something impossible to ignore. The microphone does not ask Why my hands are shaking tonight. It only keeps the confession Exactly as I write. So I give the song what I could not give you, Every frightened, unfinished line. You may never know it is an answer. You may only think It rhymes. [Multilingual Overlap - production strips back to bass, muted piano, low cello, and one violin harmonic; each phrase is clearly sung] Gwaenchanha. I’m all right. Daijōbu. I’m all right. Wǒ méi shì. I’m all right. Estoy bien. Sto bene. Ça va. Six perfect ways To lie. [Pause in Meaning - intimate nearly unprocessed lead, no backing vocals] Ask me what I want And I will search every language I know. Not because there is no answer. Because saying it aloud Would make it yours to refuse. [Final Refrain - richer low harmonies, lyrics evolve instead of repeating exactly] I know six ways to tell you I’m fine. Tonight, I do not want to lie. Every word may die somewhere between us, But the song will keep it alive. I can translate every sentence. I can make the meaning right. So listen past the language To the woman underneath what I write. I do not need another perfect phrase. I do not need more time. I need the courage to say, “I want you,” Without signing it KAI. [Coda - muted piano and one final low bass impact] Tomorrow, you may ask again. I may smile And say I’m fine. But tonight, I left the truth Inside the final line.
