The Daylight Alibi

(A fragile, solitary cello begins to bow a tragic, repeating melody. A ticking wristwatch counts down the seconds. Deep, cinematic sub-bass drones start to roll underneath like a gathering storm.)

(Whispered, right in the center of the mix)

Shoes off.

Hold your breath.

Don't wake the house.

(A minimal, clicking clock-like rimshot marks beat 3. The acoustic cello is joined by a soft, warm synth pad.)

Slipping the key right back into the slot, turning it slow

Stepping past the floorboard that always creaks when I go

The hallway is cold, and the shadows are starting to bend

As I walk through the rooms of the life that I have to defend

I open the bedroom door, light as a feather, light as a ghost

Creeping toward the person that I’m supposed to love the most

He hasn't moved an inch, he is still lost in his dreams

While I am standing here, tearing apart at the seams.

(The track erupts into a massive, sweeping Melodic Bass drop. Huge, sidechained orchestral strings combine with crying supersaws.)

And here comes the daylight alibi, putting the mask back on

Washing the scent of your skin away before the dawn

I gotta smile through the morning, look him straight in the eyes

Living a double life built on a mountain of lies

Yeah, it’s the daylight alibi...

Safe in the morning light

Buried in the guilt of the night.

(The massive synths crash out, leaving a lonely acoustic piano playing the chord progression over a fast-rolling, ticking hi-hat loop.)

I slide underneath the sheets, feeling the chill on my skin

Staring up at the ceiling, wondering where to begin

He stirs for a second, reaches his arm out to pull me close

And I have to lie there frozen, acting like a phantom ghost

He whispers “I love you,” voice heavy and warm with sleep

And that word hits my chest like a knife cutting down too deep

I whisper it back, a robotic response in the dark

Perfecting the alibi, extinguishing every last spark.

(The massive Melodic Bass drop returns with even more emotional weight.)

And here comes the daylight alibi, putting the mask back on

Washing the scent of your skin away before the dawn

I gotta smile through the morning, look him straight in the eyes

Living a double life built on a mountain of lies

Yeah, it’s the daylight alibi...

Safe in the morning light

Buried in the guilt of the night.

(The drums and synths cut out instantly. A beautiful, tragic violin solo takes center stage. The vocals are layered into a sweeping, multi-part harmony that sounds like a confessional choir.)

Can I look at myself when the sun breaks through?

Can I scrub away the stains of the black and blue?

The daylight is coming to expose what I’ve doneBut the alibi’s ready...

The battle is won.

(A heavy, modern cinematic sub-boom rolls across the stereo field, vibrating the entire low end)

Morning is here...

The vocals are delivered dry and completely emotionless.)

Beep... Beep... Beep...

Open your eyes.

Smile on cue.