[Intro – Ambient Lo-fi + soft piano]
[Light vocal hums or reverb’d echo]
“What does it mean to be a man... Does it mean to tough it out...”
“I’m tryin’ so hard, but it’s not easy sometimes…”
---
[Verse 1 – Emo rap, soft-spoken flow]
I learned silence from a man who never cried
Eyes like stone, heart he locked up inside
He ain’t say much, but I read the pain
In his heavy breath and the whiskey stains
Calloused hands, but his soul was sore
He taught me how to fight, not what love was for
I used to think that’s just what men do
Hold it in, break down when no one sees you
---
[Chorus – Sung, R&B style]
I’m my father’s son...
But I don’t wanna be numb
He raised me strong, but not whole
Told me “never lose control”
I’m my father’s son...
But I’m scared of who I’ve become
Tryna fix the man in the mirror
But he looks just like the one I run from
---
[Verse 2 – Rap / Spoken Word blend]
Some of us had no dads—just echoes and ghosts
Uncles, brothers, coaches who were hurt the most
They showed love through discipline, silence, or pride
Told us “never fold,” but never showed how to cry
And now I laugh when I’m breaking
Say “I’m good” when I’m shaking
Hold my girl like I’m present
But inside, I’m vacant
I see the fear in my little brother’s eyes
When he feels weak, but don’t know why
So I’m tryna speak, even if my voice shakes
Break the chain, before another soul breaks
---
[Bridge – Soft falsetto singing]
What if strength was just...
Sayin’ “I need help, I’ve had enough”?
What if being a man...
Was healing pain with open hands?
---
[Chorus – Repeat with layered vocals & harmonies]
I’m my father’s son...
But I don’t wanna be numb
He raised me strong, but not whole
Told me “never lose control”
I’m my father’s son...
But I’m scared of who I’ve become
Tryna fix the man in the mirror
But he looks just like the one I run from
---
[Outro – Stripped back acoustic or keys]
[Whispered / spoken]
Maybe I can be...
The father I needed…
Not the one I feared.
“Break the cycle." [echo fades out]
N0VA