[Verse 1 – flat, tired, close mic] Badge on my chest, eyes on the floor Smiling like I don’t feel it anymore I clock in with a shrug, sign forms like prayers This isn’t duty — it’s just empty stares Phone buzzes with someone else’s worst day And I mouth the script like it’s Broadway “Help is coming,” I say through grit… When all I really want is to quit [Chorus – heavy, restrained] I’m emotionally clocked out, but still on call I’ll catch your fall while ignoring mine — all Hero in the mirror, ghost in the flesh Burned out in body, but still say “fresh” Lights and sirens, yeah, I fake the fight — But inside I’m benching the will to write This ain’t sacrifice — it’s system delay I give and give ’til I glitch away [Verse 2 – darker, slower] The coffee’s cold, my pulse runs slow Been running on fumes since three calls ago They say, “Thank you,” and I nod like a lie But I left myself at a scene last July [Bridge – half-spoken, barely breathing] Don’t ask me if I’m okay… Don’t you dare. I’ve got a smile in my go-bag And numbness… to spare … (beat nearly drops out) [Final Chorus – slightly higher, more desperate] I’m emotionally clocked out, but still on call Picking up pieces I don’t recall My name’s in the file, my life’s in the haze I show up hollow in twenty-hour days If I fall, I fall quietly — no parade Just another responder getting quietly played [Outro – fading, unresolved] …still on call (static hum → breath → cut)
