[Intro]
[Bass and drums count in; the answering lead-guitar note never comes.]

[Male Vocal]
[Verse 1]
Vic said, "Kick drum, give me four."
The snare came back from every door.
"Guitar left." I hit the chord.
"Guitar right." The room ignored.
I sang too sharp, blamed the wedge;
The empty space stood on the edge.

[Refrain]
Half a band at soundcheck,
Half the chord and half the threat.
Every song we thought we knew
Leaves a space shaped just like you.

[Verse 2]
Outside, old denim filled the street;
Jenny warmed her voice backstage.
The kid asked where the red shoes went.
Joe said, "She stepped out for air."
The contract flashed beside my beer,
A clean gold corner, bright and clear.

[Refrain]
Half a band at soundcheck,
Half the chord and half the threat.
Every song we thought we knew
Leaves a space shaped just like you.

[Drum Break]
[Full arrangement played by drums alone.]

[Bridge]
[Male Vocal — Tommy]
I left once; my child needed mine.
You stayed chasing one big sign.
A band is not the name in lights.
It's who still loads your gear at night.

[Build-up]
[Bass repeats the unfinished motif; crowd stomps beyond the doors.]

[Final Refrain]
Half a band at soundcheck,
Half a promise, full regret.
Every song we thought we knew
Leaves a space shaped just like you.
Half a band—the doors aren't open.
Half the truth has now been spoken.

[Outro]
Vic killed the mains. The room went black.
"Find her now—or give this back."