Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1] Wooden sword on the floorboards You took it from my small hands Traced a scar on the atlas Said “This line is where you’ll stand” Paper crowns on the bonfire Ash on my freckles like war paint Homework traded for war maps Learning how to kill my saints [Chorus] Be useful now Dry your eyes Don’t ask how Little hands Hold the line You were mine You’re the gods’ child now Be useful now Pick a fear and strike it down If I fall Don’t you bow I was born to be brave Not allowed (Be useful now) [Verse 2] Counting steps not for hopscotch For how far before we’re seen Hide and seek in the barracks Finding exits Finding schemes Other kids name constellations We name creatures in the dark You say bedtime is for dreamers Hand me steel instead of stars [Chorus] Be useful now Dry your eyes Don’t ask how Little hands Hold the line You were mine You’re the gods’ child now Be useful now Pick a fear and strike it down If I break Don’t you bow I was born to be brave Not allowed (Be useful now, hey) [Bridge] Do they know I still get scared When the thunder sounds like wings That I practice being fearless On the cracks between the tilings Will they ever let me grow Into more than just a vow If I whisper “I am tired” Will they only say it louder “Be useful now” [Chorus] Be useful now Dry your eyes Don’t ask how Little hands Hold the line You were mine You’re the gods’ child now Be useful now Turn your shaking into proud If we live Teach them how To want more than this command somehow (Be useful now, be useful now)
Tags
Cinematic dark pop over tom-heavy drums and low strings; female vocals, intimate in the verses then fierce in the chorus. Sparse piano and distant choir build tension; chorus slams with layered harmonies, ticking percussion, and pulsing synth bass. Bridge strips to a fragile vocal and tremolo strings before a final, battle-cry chorus with stacked ad-libs and trailing echoes.
Duration
3:03
Instrumental
No
Created
2/23/2026