Break the Chain

[Verse 1]
I’m sorry I was raisin’ my voice
You flinchin’, like you ain’t got a choice
Saw my father in the mirror for a second
That temper, that weapon, I’m sick of that lesson
You ain’t my enemy, you my home
You and the little one, my whole soul
But I keep trippin’ on the same cracked path
Swear I’m tryna change, I just fall back fast
I hate myself when I see you cry
You walk away and I don’t know why
How I go from lovin’ you, holdin’ you tight
To you in the bedroom, lockin’ the light
[Chorus]
I don’t wanna be my dad
Break that chain, never goin’ back
I just wanna make you laugh
Sunday slow, baby on my lap
I’m done yellin’, done doin’ bad
Wanna be a better man, better dad
I miss layin’ in your hands, skin to skin
Let me earn my way back in (back in)
[Verse 2]
I remember when we barely had bills
Still shared fries, still shared chills
Talked all night ‘bout a house and a yard
Now we got both, but the talkin’ is hard
You reach out, I’m scrolling my phone
You feel alone when we right at home
I say “I’m tired,” but that ain’t true
I’m just scared to sit in the hurt with you
Love ain’t loud, it’s the quiet stuff
Cleanin’ up dishes when the day’s been rough
Turnin’ my anger into dumb little jokes
Teachin’ our kid how respect gets spoke
[Chorus]
I don’t wanna be my dad
Break that chain, never goin’ back
I just wanna make you laugh
Movie night, blanket in a stack
I’m done slammin’, done doin’ bad
Wanna be a better man, better dad
I miss closeness, breath on my chin
Let me earn my way back in (yeah, yeah)
[Bridge]
One deep breath, then another (then another)
Count to ten ‘fore I shout at my lover
Put my pride in the ground like dust
Pick our little one up, say “you safe with us”
Tell you “I was wrong,” not “but”
Open my arms, keep my mouth shut
Trade these walls for a long walk, hand in hand
You deserve a gentle man, not a damaged man
[Chorus]
I don’t wanna be my dad
Break that chain, never goin’ back
I just wanna see you glad
Kitchen dance, both of us laugh
I’m done hurtin’, done doin’ bad
Wanna be a better man, better dad
Family first, that’s how we win
Let me love you ‘til it sinks in (’til it sinks in)

rap, Moody but hopeful hip-hop with warm keys, thick drums, and a deep, conversational male vocal. Verses stay close and intimate over a sparse groove; hook blooms with brighter chords, stacked harmonies, and a subtle gospel-style choir. Add soft bass swells and occasional vinyl crackle, let the final chorus ride out with ad-libbed apologies and promises over a slowly widening mix., happy, hip hop