Ticking Conscience

[Intro] Ticking clock hums in the ribs of the night Silhouettes blur as the plan takes flight Whispers in my head, choices split the seam Between the shadowed line and the truth I dream [Verse 1] Cable of doubts wraps tight around my spine I count the seconds, every breath a fragile sign Moving through the red light, I wear a cautious grin Each favor I trade, I’m trading a part of me within [Pre-Chorus] If I slip, it’s more than me who falls The world could crash from quiet, unseen walls [Chorus] I hear the clock argue with my conscience, loud and clear I weigh the harm I’m causing, close to the edge of fear If exposure comes, who will I become then, who will I be When the mission finishes, do I still belong to me [Verse 2] Magnets of secrets pull at every choice I make I’m bargaining mercy for the lies I’m forced to break The target in my gaze wears a mask I cannot trust And every inch I gain is paid with a thread of rust [Pre-Chorus] If I break the surface, who will see the light Or will the truth dissolve in the hush of night [Chorus] I hear the clock argue with my conscience, loud and clear I weigh the harm I’m causing, close to the edge of fear If exposure comes, who will I become then, who will I be When the mission finishes, do I still belong to me [Bridge] Behind the knuckles of the door, a brighter dawn might wait But the price of mercy is a breath I can’t reclaim too late [Chorus] I hear the clock argue with my conscience, loud and clear I weigh the harm I’m causing, close to the edge of fear If exposure comes, who will I become then, who will I be When the mission finishes, do I still belong to me [Outro] Ticking fades to stillness as I step into the sun Question in my pocket: did I win or did I run?