Paper Shield

[Verse 1]
(Victim)
Judge slammed the gavel, said "You're safe and sound"
Gave me a paper ghost in a paper town
Signed and stamped with the state's own seal
But tell me, how's a fucking document supposed to feel?
When the phone still buzzes with a blocked ID
And I see your shadow followin' me
A hundred feet? That's a goddamn joke
It's just enough room for me to choke
On the fear you breathe, the air you stole
This paper ain't a shield, it's just a gaping hole
In a system that left me out in the cold
With a story that's already getting old!

[Chorus]
(Both)
A HUNDRED FEET, THAT'S THE LINE THEY DREW
THIS PIECE OF PAPER BETWEEN ME AND YOU
BUT PAPER BURNS AND THE INK JUST FADES
A PAPER SHIELD IN A RAZOR BLADE PARADE
THIS AIN'T PROTECTION, THIS IS A FUCKING JOKE
JUST A COUNTDOWN 'TIL THE SILENCE IS BROKE!

[Verse 2]
(Abuser)
Hah! They gave you paper? That's fucking cute
Like a "Do Not Cross" sign on a predator's route
You think that signature's some kind of magic spell?
It's just a fucking map that leads me straight to your hell
You went to court, you cried your little tears
You fed their system all your precious fears
And what'd you get? A warning I can't see
A dare from a coward judge, aimed right at me
Every rule they write is a line to be crossed
A reminder of everything that you just lost
A hundred feet? I can count the steps
While you're clutching paper and holding your breath.

[Chorus]
(Both)
A HUNDRED FEET, THAT'S THE LINE THEY DREW
THIS PIECE OF PAPER BETWEEN ME AND YOU
BUT PAPER BURNS AND THE INK JUST FADES
A PAPER SHIELD IN A RAZOR BLADE PARADE
THIS AIN'T PROTECTION, THIS IS A FUCKING JOKE
JUST A COUNTDOWN 'TIL THE SILENCE IS BROKE!

[Guitar Solo]

[Bridge]
(Victim): My heart pounds with every creak of the floor!
(Abuser): I'm the only reason that you lock your door!
(Victim): This paper's a target they put on my back!
(Abuser): A front-row ticket to my next attack!
(Victim): They told me to call if you ever get near!
(Abuser): By the time they answer, I'm already here!
(Victim): IT'S USELESS!
(Abuser): IT'S USELESS!

[Outro]
(Victim, whispering, desperate)
Just a piece of paper...
(Abuser, low mocking chuckle)
Just a piece of paper.