[Intro] (Music: Starts with a lone acoustic guitar, strumming a dry, rhythmic Em – Bm skank on the off-beats. After two bars, the organ "bubbles" enter, followed by a sharp snare rimshot that brings in the full band. The bass drops a heavy, melodic "one-drop" riddim, and the electric guitar adds a clean, echoed lead fill.) [Verse 1] (Chords: Em – Bm) Look at your reflection in the glass, my brother See the ghost of the man you used to be You’re chasing shadows under covers of the night While your world is drifting out to sea You say you’re "living large," playing a dangerous game But your children’s eyes are asking where you’ve been While you’re out there building up a hollow name Your house is shaking from the weight of your sin. [Pre-Chorus / Bridge] (Chords: C – Am – C – Am – C – D) (Music: The drums build with a rolling shuffle. The vocal harmonies swell, creating a lifting sensation as the progression climbs.) The sun is rising but you’re still in the dark Leaving a fire where there should be a spark Yeah, the road you’re walking is a narrow line Running out of luck, running out of time Open up your heart and let the truth take hold Before the winter turns your spirit cold! [Chorus] (Chords: Em – D) (Music: The bass gets deeper and more melodic. The "one-drop" groove becomes locked and steady.) You gotta wake up, realize what’s at stake The foundation’s cracking from the choices you make Wake up, brother, turn your face to the light Stop the "thug life" hustle in the middle of the night Yeah, you gotta wake up. [Verse 2] (Chords: Em – Bm) (Music: Piano stabs accent the Bm chord. Light percussion like a shaker or cowbell joins the rhythm.) You’re getting high just to hide from the low But the seeds of neglect are the only things that grow Your lady’s at the window, praying for your soul While you’re out on the corner, losing all control It ain’t about the pride, it ain’t about the street It’s about the family that you’ve got to feed The games you’re playing have a heavy, heavy price Don’t gamble your future on a roll of the dice. [Instrumental Solo] (Chords: Em – D) (Music: A soulful electric guitar solo with a "wah" effect, playing over a thick organ pad and a driving bassline.) [Chorus] (Chords: Em – D)(Music: Full vocal harmonies on every line, creating a powerful, "soulful" wall of sound.) You gotta wake up, realize what’s at stake The foundation’s cracking from the choices you make Wake up, brother, turn your face to the light Stop the "thug life" hustle in the middle of the night. [Outro] (Chords: Em – Bm) (Music: The full band slowly strips back until it’s just the acoustic guitar skank and a fading organ bubble.) Wake up, my brother... The truth is calling... Don't let the smoke blind you no more... (Final sustained Em chord on the organ)
