(Verse 1 - Low, introspective vocal)
I stood before the glass today, just like I've done before
But the eyes starin' back didn't knock upon my door
A stranger lookin' back at me, where did my good grace go?
A bitter taste on every breath, a truth I didn't wanna know.
(Pre-Chorus - Vocal builds slightly, harmonies enter subtly)
'Cause behind that bitter surface, there’s a light that still shines through
Flashes of the good years, the honest, beautiful truth
Happiness and love, it's all still there, beneath the dust and grime
Just underestimated by the slippin' hands of time.
(Chorus - Full, strong vocal. Deep, powerful harmonies on "See" and "in between." Pedal steel swells.)
Oh, to SEE or not to SEE
Honey, those are the only two ways for you and me
There ain't no muddy water, no patch of grey in between
The choice is yours to face the light, let that beautiful spirit glean.
(Verse 2 - Slightly faster pace, more rhythm in the guitar.)
Do you wanna spend your good years livin' under a bitter cloud?
Or shine as bright as the colors you screamed out loud?
They say we got free will, a path cut just for us
You can let this storm roll over, trade fear for simple trust.
(Harmonies echo "simple trust")
(Pre-Chorus - Vocal is confident now, harmonies are more prominent.)
Now listen close, you gotta build back up the backbone you once had
The kind of strength that never made your mama sad
There's nothin' left to hide behind, no shadows on the wall
The path took a detour, but you gotta stand up tall.
(Chorus - Repeat. Strongest delivery. Ad-lib vocal runs over the harmonies.)
Oh, to SEE or not to SEE
Honey, those are the only two ways for you and me
There ain't no muddy water, no patch of grey in between
The choice is yours to face the light, let that beautiful spirit glean.
(Bridge - Vocal drops to a softer, more intimate tone. Pedal steel solo over simple guitar chords.)
The breakage of that mirror... that's where the freedom lies
To stop lookin' backward at the hurt behind your eyes
Fill up your soul with fire, let that positive energy bloom...
(Vocal rises with the music, full of conviction)
Find the power and the strength in the beautiful memory room!
(Outro - Slows down. Vocal holds key notes. Deep harmonies fade out.)
Yeah, the power and the strength... of all you've seen...
The choice is yours... just let it be...
(Acoustic guitar and fading pedal steel resolve on a major chord.)
To see...
Or not to see.
[Female Vocal]
Monaday1