[Intro verse]

This time lapse impasse keeping it unethical
Stalled in all direction, restrained by hypotheticals

Imprisoned how I felt forced the sentence on myself
Waiting isolated in this solitary cell


[Chorus]

From an internal wall that’s delaying every task
This grey sky’s a blue screen, bracing for the crash

Reality is different, covered by this mask
I see no looking past with this shadow overcast

Face the truth, but we can't so we make lies
Take pride, and leave that doubt by the wayside

"Drop a match in the clouds and watch the flames rise"
"Fire water falling from these grey skies"


[Verse 1]

Trapped beneath a grey sky feeling so uncertain
Self-imposed and nervous, over and it’s curtains

Thoughts of any subject seem to amplify the consequence
Seeking a solution, all I really need is confidence

Wishing for decision like I'm faced with no delay
Second-guessing second guesses up until they go away

Still I can’t release even though I know it’s vain
‘cause the slightest imperfection always drives me so insane

Writing lyrics, writing code, I'm just hoping that it flows
Just a function or a verse want to do it with the pros(e)

Think about longevity, to never be disposed
I always want acceptance, you know just how it goes

Forest for the trees, see the sky for the clouds
There’s a maze in this haze and I'm wandering around

Barely floating in this storm, I'm clutching to the sound
Feel I'm ‘bout to drown from this torrent raining down

Keeping things adrift, but look who’s at the helm
This ship’s about to capsize, I'm feeling overwhelmed

Failure faces everyone, teachers and the students
Plus I know I'm capable and tell myself to do it

Show and then improve it so I did and took it up
Compromise is fine but how good is good enough?

Awaiting motivation from a dozen other mottos
I just need a path, someone tell me what to follow


[Chorus]

From an internal wall that’s delaying every task
This grey sky’s a blue screen, bracing for the crash

Reality is different, covered by this mask
I see no looking past with this shadow overcast

Face the truth, but we can't so we make lies
Take pride, and leave that doubt by the wayside

"Drop a match in the clouds and watch the flames rise"
"Fire water falling from these grey skies"


[Verse 2]

Rain clouds break down my cardboard wall of sound
Wishing it would clear but it's all around and how

Deep can I fall, seems there's no letting up
Pressed against the pavement to prevent getting up

Recessed into the basement, need to step it up
Affliction or addiction, I can never get enough

Fear of the success got me working under pressure
Plotting possibilities beyond what I can measure

Call it over-engineered, impossibly prepared
Til I'm standing still in place on an endless flight of stairs

And everything spins out, worse than I’d imagined
Terrified of failure even though I make it happen

Looking in the mirror and upset at what’s inside
Always been my biggest critic, it’s the only way I thrive

It’s a mix of good and bad so I take it all in stride
Gotta live it up, otherwise it’s just survive


[Outro]

An antiquated backlash to those that would control me
Jumping up on stage 'til the rhythm couldn't hold me

Ushered in an era, kept it classic feeling lonely
Never leave me only love me tell me you're my one and only

All I’ve got is my word and my code and my flow
If you're taking this away then there's nowhere else to go

We cultivate it, seed it, and we got to watch it grow
Even though it all accelerates we meant to take it slow

Feared we couldn't make it, scared of empty shows
But pushing past your limits is the only way to know

Praying to the past, waiting, tell me when to go
Rise above the clouds, pause and check to look below

Searching for a challenge I was ready blow for blow
So we got up in its face, and we're standing toe to toe

Measuring ourselves, won't compare to so and so
Arriving from the future, we are here to overthrow