**Verse 1 (clean baritone / ambient groove)** I learned how to whisper just to keep the peace Learned how to fold so you wouldn’t crease Every room feels colder when you’re calm Like you learned my pain but forgot the cause Low strings dragging my name through dirt I keep smiling like it doesn’t hurt You take my truth and call it tone Then wonder why I sound alone *(echoing ad-libs)* — *stay quiet* — *don’t fight it* — *breathe in* **Pre-Chorus (building tension)** I bent my spine to fit your doubt Held my tongue till it burned out You said love shouldn’t feel like chains Then why am I locked in the same refrain? **Chorus (wide, heavy, layered harmonies)** I’m breathing borrowed air Through lungs you never cared to save I loved you in good faith You loved me when it was safe Now the floor gives way And I free-fall through your name You don’t hear my prayer You just watch me *break* **Verse 2 (groove-driven, darker)** Your voice still loops in the back of my head Every “maybe” sounds like “better dead” You float above the mess you made While I mop up feelings you misplaced Palm-muted rage in my jawline Counting seconds like landmines If I’m the villain in your dream Why does waking up still bleed? *(ad-libs drifting)* — *too much* — *not enough* — *still me* **Pre-Chorus 2 (gritty clean → rasp)** You fed me hope in measured doses Kept your hands clean while mine were open If love’s a game, you set the rules Then blamed me when I played the fool **Chorus (heavier slam, djent accents)** I’m breathing borrowed air Through lungs you never cared to save I loved you in good faith You loved me when it was safe Now the ground caves in And I free-fall through your name You don’t hear my prayer You just watch me *break* **Bridge (atmospheric pads / delayed guitar)** Say my name Without the echo of regret Say my name Like I wasn’t a debt I tried to be gentle You tried to be right I tried to be honest You hid in the light *(drop to near silence)* **Breakdown (harsh mid screams / polyrhythmic)** I GAVE YOU MY BREATH YOU TOOK IT AND RAN LEFT ME TO SUFFOCATE WITH BLOOD ON MY HANDS THIS ISN’T LOVE IT’S A SLOW DECAY YOU CALLED IT HEALING I CALL IT STAYING AWAY **Final Chorus (clean lead + scream layers)** I’m breathing borrowed air But I’m done asking to survive I bled you my truth You let it fossilize Let it all collapse Let the old me die You don’t own my breath I’m still *alive* **Outro (clean, cinematic reverb)** I’ll learn to breathe on my own No echo, no borrowed tone If I choke, let it be free Not under the weight of who you needed me to be

Borrowed Breath