[Intro]
Frank sets the mug beside my notes —
Black letters burned in white:
CHECK YOUR SOURCE.
"It isn't decoration. It's a warning light."

[Verse]
I found the surname, found the date,
I found a photo, freshly faked.
The caption says "cousins," the comments say "thieves" —
The account that posted both was made on New Year's Eve.

[Maya] "This fits the pattern."
[Frank] "Maybe. Who took the shot?"
[Maya] "I don't know."
[Frank] "Then you know exactly what you've got — nothing."

[Chorus]
Check your source, check it twice —
Truth's not improved by strangers' advice.
An avatar and a flag in its name
Don't let a rumour steal the frame.
Before you print the claim —
Check your source.

[Verse]
Deputy Mayor Hollis answers, call four —
He knows the surname. Nothing more.
I ask about the photo. He just sighs:
"Cousins? Hardly. Just an old family tie."

Useful. Not corruption. Not the proof.
Frank circles three loose ends, aloof:
"Lose the weak line, keep what can be shown."
I cross the perfect headline out. Let it go.

[Pre-Chorus]
A story that fits too neatly
Might be too neat to hold.
The easiest version of the truth
Is often the one that's sold.

[Chorus]
Check your source, check it twice —
A perfect theory can carry a price.
When a theory fits so neat and clean,
Push harder. Ask what it might mean.
Before you print the claim —
Check your source.

[Guitar Solo]

[Bridge]
[Maya] "What if they won't answer?" [Frank] "Write that."
[Maya] "What if they deny it?" [Frank] "Write that too."
[Maya] "What if both sides hate it?" [Frank] "Promising."
[Maya] "What if the truth is messy?" [Frank] "Welcome to the work."

[Breakdown]
One source: a tip. Two sources: stronger.
Three sources: maybe. Ten reposts of one source:
Still one source.

[Final Chorus]
Check your source, check it twice —
Don't trade a verified name for spice.
The story gets tougher with proof that holds,
No mug makes you righteous, no headline's pre-sold.
You earn the claim. You earn the name —
Check your source.

[Outro]
Frank takes his mug back. I write it plain:
CONFIRMED: THREE RELATED FIRMS.
UNCONFIRMED: EVERYTHING MORE INTERESTING.
Frank nods once: "Now you're reporting."