The Upper Hand

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You lay the tokens on the midnight felt
A quiet surrender in the hand you dealt
I take the lead, the heavy braided silk
And watch the edge your sudden trust is built
It's a delicate structure, the way you wait
Suspended right beside the garden gate

[Chorus]
I’ve got the upper hand
Guiding the tempo that your pulse demands
It’s a beautiful ruin, the edge of the art
When I press a little heavier against the dark
Every time you gasp, I second-guess the thrill
Caught between the mercy and the iron will
I hold the velvet of the upper hand
And wonder if I'm sinking in the sand

[Verse 2]
The air inside Room 418 is chilled
But there's a sudden fever in the space we filled
Waiting for the verdict, waiting for the sign
To see exactly how I'll pull the line
The color of the consequence is what we chase
But the one who holds the gavel has to guard the space

[Chorus]
I’ve got the upper hand
Guiding the tempo that your pulse demands
It’s a beautiful ruin, the edge of the art
When I press a little heavier against the dark
Every time you gasp, I second-guess the thrill
Caught between the mercy and the iron will
I hold the velvet of the upper hand
And wonder if I'm sinking in the sand

[Bridge]
We walk the high wire, a flawless silhouette
Between the sharp desire and the pale regret
I want to push you past the painted line
Make every shiver, every shadow mine
But what if I break the very thing I'm meant to hold?
The power burns so fiercely...
Then the aftermath runs cold.

[Outro]
Just one more inch.
A tightening band.
You're perfectly safe
Beneath the upper hand.
I'm holding the upper hand.