I’m Nothing Like I Used To Be

[Tempo: 148 BPM
Key: D minor
Vocals: Flat in verses, strained in chorus
Structure: Quiet verses → heavy chorus → half-time breakdown → final chorus]

[Verse 1]

I wake up late, same ceiling crack
Same excuses talking back
I wear my name like hand-me-downs
Nothing fits, but I don’t sound proud

I fake a smile, I miss the cue
I nod along like this is new
I tell myself I’m still okay
Then change the subject, walk away

[Pre-Chorus]

I don’t feel low, I don’t feel high
I don’t know when I stopped trying
If this is calm, then why do I
Feel like something’s saying goodbye?

[Chorus]

I let the good parts slip away
I made a mess of what was me
I keep rewinding just to see
I’m nothing like I used to be

[Verse 2]

I scroll my life and feel removed
Like I’m just killing time in rooms
I talk about who I “used to be”
Like he moved out and left me keys

I measure time in what I’ve lost
In almosts, maybes, double-crossed
I swear I’ll change, just not tonight
I make peace with the losing fight

[Chorus]

I let the good parts slip away
I made a mess of what was me
I keep rewinding just to see
I’m nothing like I used to be

[Bridge] (Half-Time Breakdown)

I let it happen
I watched it go
I didn’t stop it
I didn’t know
(repeat — last line screamed)

[Final Chorus] (Strained / Full)

I let the good parts slip away
I made a mess of what was me
I keep rewinding just to see
I’m nothing like I used to be

[Outro]
(Guitars ring out, feedback hum
Drums cut early
One last breath into the mic)

Punk rock, grunge, numb, introspective, heavy, distorted guitars, gritty bass, raw drums, male