Monday, August 25, 2025

: Project: The VSB - The Victor Smallwood Band

the songs of Victor Smallwood

Song 35 - The VSB - Give Me Release August 17th, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive ---

Give Me Release [VERSE] Pain is my companion It reminds me of a loss When you said goodbye My feelings all but tossed Emotion won over logic As it tends to do with me I sit and obsess often Abuse and neglect’s all I see [VERSE] Positive is a problem When negativity holds When it feels soothing And it's all I’ve known I cannot find the solution While the problem’s in the way I focus on the former The latter goes astray [PRECHORUS] The answer’s far too simple I don't trust it to be It must be more difficult That's how it is with me [CHORUS] My conscience won't allow it And my fear takes control I worry that my blueprint Will not save my soul These mistakes I repeat They don't grant me peace I must learn forgiveness To give me release [VERSE] I must trust in fate It won't let me down Heavy is the burden Of the one who bears the crown This is something that I just can't ignore The key is in my hand Will I unlock that door? [VERSE] A guilty mind repents Though, what of this guilt? Do I feel terrible, or is it A wall that I have built? I have time to change course If I choose to do that I could choose to adjust Satisfy my instincts and adapt [PRECHORUS] The answer’s far too simple I don't trust it to be It must be more difficult That's how it is with me [CHORUS] My conscience won't allow it And my fear takes control I worry that my blueprint Will not save my soul These mistakes I repeat They don't grant me peace I must learn forgiveness To give me release [END]

Song 34 - The VSB - Breaking August 1, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive ---

Breaking [CHORUS] Where will you turn? When no one hears you screaming? Your mind is preoccupied With whichever way you're leaning You’ve tried to work it out When they all thought you were faking Nobody is listening To the sound of your breaking [VERSE] You convinced yourself and others That you are under control When the pressure of existing Has swallowed you whole The shell that exhudes confidence Was never the one you hide The one you do is closer You keep him caged up inside [PRECHORUS] He's telling you to give up When you know you’ll never quit That word is foreign to you There is no meaning to it [CHORUS] Where will you turn? When no one hears you screaming? Your mind is preoccupied With whichever way you're leaning You’ve tried to work it out When they all thought you were faking Nobody is listening To the sound of your breaking [VERSE] Your eyelids are bags of cement But you’ll never find your peace These emotions bleed your shame Shame you can't release For one who has no issue Expressing what you must One day they will know all When your bones have turned to dust [VERSE] You’ve always been the one They trust, and on which they rely Not knowing the struggle, this facade When you have no choice but to cry You can never say you know someone If you can't fit into his space Like you were never there And what can't be erased [CHORUS] Where will you turn? When no one hears you screaming? Your mind is preoccupied With whichever way you're leaning You’ve tried to work it out When they all thought you were faking Nobody is listening To the sound of your breaking [VERSE] I can't explain to you What's going on in my head I am fighting with myself Trying to be a good person instead But the cracks are beginning to show Though I think I hide it well Made you believe in my heaven Masquerading as this hell [PRECHORUS] He's telling you to give up When you know you’ll never quit That word is foreign to you There is no meaning to it [CHORUS] Where will you turn? When no one hears you screaming? Your mind is preoccupied With whichever way you're leaning You’ve tried to work it out When they all thought you were faking Nobody is listening To the sound of your breaking

Song 33 - The VSB - Loving You July 30, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive ---

Loving You [VERSE] When I wake every morning You're the first thing I think about I couldn't fathom not doing that It's a feeling I can't do without And I try to explain to myself That it's natural to feel this way Each and every morning All night, with each new day [VERSE] I can't remember what it was like Before you came into my life I could not see for all the darkness Before you shone your light And now, I have a purpose A meaning, a reason to be You are that reason, that purpose You mean so much to me [PRECHORUS] I pledge my soul to you It is all I have left I thank you for caring Eternally in your debt [CHORUS] This obsession, this need To make you happy is fuel For the fire that burns Loving you is what I do You’ve become my whole world And my world as it turns [VERSE] I could tell you how I feel But my actions will speak My eyes shine like sunlight Though my knees get weak You have the power to take my heart And rip it to shreds But I believe that you won't I think you’ll love me instead [PRECHORUS] I pledge my soul to you It is all I have left I thank you for caring Eternally in your debt [CHORUS] This obsession, this need To make you happy is fuel For the fire that burns Loving you is what I do You’ve become my whole world And my world as it turns [END]

Song 32 - The VSB - Face The Mirror July 18, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- -- July 19th, 2025 --- Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0039 -- July 19th, 2025 --- Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0039 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0038 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0038 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0037 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0037 -- July 19th, 2025 --- Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0036 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0036 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0035 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0035 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0034 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0034 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0033 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0033 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0032 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0032 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0031 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0031 --- July 19, 2025 --- Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0030 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0030 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0029 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0029 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.0028 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.027 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.027 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.026 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.026 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.025 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.025 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.024 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.024 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.023 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.023 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.023 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.023 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.023 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.022 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.019 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.019 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.015 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.015 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.014 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.014 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.013 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.013 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.012 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.012 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.011 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.011 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.011 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.011 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.011 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.011 --- July 19th, 2025 --- Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.010 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.010 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.010 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.010 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.009 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.009 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.009 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.009 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.009 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.009 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.008 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.008 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.007 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.007 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.006 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.006 --- July 18, 2025 --- Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.005 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.005 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.005 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.005 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.005 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.004 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.004 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.004 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v02.004 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v01.002 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v01.002 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Face the Mirror s32v01.001

Face The Mirror [Verse] You think you're better than me Comfortable with your nose in the air While you might best me at some things On others, you must admit it ain't fair You judge me based on my decisions Look down on me from your pedestal My worth to you is less than worthy Less than that, like, not at all [Verse] You believe I take your opinion as a rule You must think I’m gullible and naive The only reason I’m listening at all Is I know you’ll get frustrated and leave That is quite the life to think you're better than When there's nobody to judge you Your time will come when you look into your eyes And you can't escape the truth [Pre-chorus] A reflection is a glimpse of who you are What do you see? Arrogance personified, undignified, crass That's what you reflect to me [Chorus] Don't know if anyone told you They are holding their tongues Telling you what you want to hear So your songs could be sung Let me talk to you slowly To have the picture be clearer It is not only how you look When it's time to face the mirror [Verse] Of course, if you have no conscience Darkness where light should shine You wouldn't trade places with me Your step’s unsure of my line No, I don't think I'm better than you Our loyalties are not aligned I am better with you than against A better ally you will never find [Pre-chorus] A reflection is a glimpse of who you are What do you see? Arrogance personified, undignified, crass That's what you reflect to me [Chorus] Don't know if anyone told you They are holding their tongues Telling you what you want to hear So your songs could be sung Let me talk to you slowly To have the picture be clearer It is not only how you look When it's time to face the mirror

Song 31 - The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship June 27th, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- jan 30 - liked Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.019 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.016 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.012 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.011 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.011 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.007 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.005 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.004 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.004 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.002 jan 30 - more Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.019 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.018 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.018 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.017 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.017 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.016 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.016 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.016 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.015 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.015 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.014 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.014 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.013 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.013 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.012 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.012 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.012 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.011 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.011 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.010 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.010 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.009 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.009 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.008 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.008 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.007 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.006 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.006 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.006 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.005 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.002 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.002 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Eulogy For A Friendship s31v01.001

Eulogy For A Friendship [Verse] I could concentrate on how it ended That seems like a waste Best to cherish the time we spent The feeling, the experience, the taste Maybe I could’ve been better to you Maybe you could've done the same But there are no winners or losers No right or wrong in that game [Verse] I’ve been through moments in time When I didn't or couldn't make friends And while that time is not current There are situations that don't make sense You give so much of yourself They take and ask for more That trust winds up shattered You feel used like never before [Pre-chorus] I considered you and called you my friend For whatever reason, that term won't apply You’ve severed and coloured that term The only true question is “why”? [Chorus] I don't want to know you anymore You’ve made it clear you feel the same No matter how that plays over in my mind It's really quite the shame All the memories we shared mean not a thing Because you said what you said I will refer to you if I do in the past tense Because you might as well be dead [Verse] We made each other so very angry We got on our last nerve You called me names, I shot back And you got what you deserved Maybe it's better we wound up this way I see you now for what you truly are A negative influence, a poisoned view A wound you opened that soon will scar [Verse] You thought I had no talent Tore me down every chance you could get I think you were jealous of me Not a friend to you, a threat You seized your opportunity To get some things off your chest You're narrow-minded and limited Just a smidge of what I could attest [Pre-chorus] I used to call you my friend Now I won't call you at all I could've never predicted this outcome Or how far we’d fall [Chorus] I don't want to know you anymore You’ve made it clear you feel the same No matter how that plays over in my mind It's really quite the shame All the memories we shared mean not a thing Because you said what you said I will refer to you if I do in the past tense Because you might as well be dead [End]

Song 30 - The VSB - There’s Nothing Wrong With Me June 21st, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- jan 29 Suno: The VSB - There's Nothing Wrong with Me s30v01.006 Suno: The VSB - There's Nothing Wrong with Me s30v01.004 Suno: The VSB - There's Nothing Wrong with Me s30v01.002 Suno: The VSB - There's Nothing Wrong with Me s30v01.002 Suno: The VSB - There's Nothing Wrong with Me s30v01.001 Suno: The VSB - There's Nothing Wrong with Me s30v01.001

There’s Nothing Wrong With Me [Verse] A long time ago the one who gave me life Gave me something else, she gave me doubt Time had its’ way, and I couldn't shake it It grew to be something I couldn't live without [Verse] And even when good happened, I couldn't see it Kept wondering when the other shoe would drop No matter how much I tried to deny it I kept spinning my wheels, the feeling wouldn't stop [Pre-chorus] She’d ask me why I thought that way I knew the reason, but did not say [Chorus] Life has a way of changing perspective Though that might not be your objective I can't control you, yes, you might disagree But, there's nothing wrong with me [Verse] Mom, it's been so long since you left this coil But your impact carries more weight than it did You knew what you asked and said Would be a sentence from which I hid [Verse] Parents, be wary of your words and their meaning To a child who loves you because he knows no better Realize that every syllable, every nuance They will hold inside, every word, every letter [Pre-chorus] She’d ask me why I thought that way I knew the reason, but did not say [Chorus] Life has a way of changing perspective Though that might not be your objective I can't control you, yes, you might disagree But, there's nothing wrong with me [End]

Song 29 - The VSB - Silence May 26th, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- New generations - up to June 13, 2025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.032 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.029 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.028 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.027 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.026 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.032 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.029 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.028 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.027 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.026 New Tracks - May 26th, 2025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.021 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.017 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.016 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.012 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.007 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.004 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 others - May 26th, 2025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.025 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.023 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.022 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.022 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.021 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.021 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.021 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.020 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.019 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.018 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.013 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.011 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.010 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.009 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.008 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.008 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.007 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.006 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.005 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.004 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001 Suno: The VSB - Silence S29v01.001

Silence [Chorus] My silence is deadly Cold, absolute Calculated and final It whispers hardened truth My silence is louder Than any word spoken It will not be shaken Compromised or broken [verse] You said you don't like when I'm angry Do everything to not make me that way It's not a bad thing if I’m angry Please listen to what I have to say If I’m angry or anything, that means I still care It's worse when I say nothing, nothing is bad That says I’ve shut you out There's no point in anything anymore, no use in being mad [verse] I am giving you hints on how to deal with me Do not ignore them, that outlook is dire Our contact will be severed Our past will be a gasoline-fueled, raging bonfire I will feel nothing, you will not exist I will move on from any memory of you Not remembered, not recognized, not missed [Pre-chorus] Do not give me pause Or that pause will be eternal And your reminiscing Faded words in your journal [Chorus] My silence is deadly Cold, absolute Calculated and final It whispers hardened truth My silence is louder Than any word spoken It will not be shaken Compromised or broken [Verse] There's a reason for inaction It doesn't happen for fun If you have to think on it You are under the gun Consider this a warning I'm telling you how it’ll be If it's come to this You will be “once was” to me [Pre-chorus] Do not give me pause Or that pause will be eternal And your reminiscing Faded words in your journal [Chorus] My silence is deadly Cold, absolute Calculated and final It whispers hardened truth My silence is louder Than any word spoken It will not be shaken Compromised or broken [End] =========================== [Intro – 8 bars] [acoustic resonator guitar, picked; tempo free-time ? cue drummer’s sticks click x4] [Band Crash – 110 BPM, drop-C# tuning, twin-guitar chugs, sub-kick & floor-tom punches] [Chorus – full band, half-time groove; vox: gritty belt + low fry layer] My silence is deadly Cold, absolute Calculated and final It whispers hardened truth My silence is louder Than any word spoken It will not be shaken Compromised or broken [Verse – talk-sing cadence over palm-muted guitars; snare rim-shots] You said you don't like when I'm angry Do everything to not make me that way It's not a bad thing if I’m angry Please listen to what I have to say [guitars open slightly, add octave lead] If I’m angry or anything, that means I still care It's worse when I say nothing, nothing is bad [choked ride cymbal] That says I’ve shut you out There's no point in anything anymore, no use in being mad [Verse – drums to four-on-the-floor, add fuzz-bass slide] I am giving you hints on how to deal with me Do not ignore them, that outlook is dire Our contact will be severed Our past will be a gasoline-fueled, raging bonfire [lead guitar feedback swell] I will feel nothing, you will not exist I will move on from any memory of you Not remembered, not recognized, not missed [Pre-Chorus – tom build, gang-chant “hey!” on 2 & 4; vox: clean/melodic] Do not give me pause Or that pause will be eternal And your reminiscing Faded words in your journal [Chorus – double-tracked vocals, crash-ride accent eighths] My silence is deadly Cold, absolute Calculated and final It whispers hardened truth My silence is louder Than any word spoken It will not be shaken Compromised or broken [Verse – drop instruments to bass + kick; vocals: near-whisper ? swell] There's a reason for inaction It doesn't happen for fun If you have to think on it You are under the gun [guitars re-enter with open chords] Consider this a warning I'm telling you how it’ll be If it's come to this You will be “once was” to me [Pre-Chorus – as before, add tambourine on downbeats] Do not give me pause Or that pause will be eternal And your reminiscing Faded words in your journal [Chorus – final; add octave-up harmony & false-cord scream on last line] My silence is deadly Cold, absolute Calculated and final It whispers hardened truth My silence is louder Than any word spoken It will not be shaken Compromised or broken [End – 4-bar breakdown] [guitars ring on open C#, drummer hits China cymbal; vox holds fry-scream ? dry cut]

Song 28 - The VSB - Eye for an Eye May 17th, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- New Tracks - May 19th, 2025 Suno: The VSB - Eye for an Eye s27v01.005 Suno: The VSB - Eye for an Eye s27v01.004 Suno: The VSB - Eye for an Eye s27v01.003 Suno: The VSB - Eye for an Eye s27v01.002

Eye for an eye [Verse] Wonder why I'm angry? Why my face wears a frown? It must be somebody Bringing me down I wish I didn't have to Can't we all get along? Blame the one that got me On this trip that I'm on [Verse] You do this on purpose You do this for spite You say it is black When the wall’s drenched in white And I can't ignore it You’re craving reaction I’ll spell it out for you Italic closed-captioned [Bridge] And I wish it was different You don't want it to be You're confrontational Ab-so- lute-ly [Chorus] You want a reaction I can't help but oblige Take your bravado Cut it to size Those who aren't sure Might wonder why Really very simple It's eye for an eye [Verse] Some have it easy That is not in my plan I take what is given And use all I can Do I want to conform? Do I seem like I do? I wish you'd think different But you have to be you [Bridge] And I wish it was different You don't want it to be You're confrontational Ab-so- lute-ly [Chorus] You want a reaction I can't help but oblige Take your bravado Cut it to size Those who aren't sure Might wonder why Really very simple It's eye for an eye

Song 27 - The VSB - Beginning / End May 16th, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- New Tracks - May 16, 2025 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.031 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.031 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.031 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.031 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.030 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.030 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.030 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.029 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.028 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.028 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.028 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.028 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.017 Suno: The VSB - Begin s27v01.014

Beginning/End [Chorus] To every new beginning There must be an end Time to heal and grow And some to make amends My wish for you is simple It does not matter when I want you to move on You deserve to love again [Verse] We're not together anymore That is for the best But, here's a tiny something That should be addressed There's no hard feelings It was not meant to be I wish for you many years Of life and love without me [Verse] Do not think back on it Don't want you to dwell Know that from wherever I am I truly wish you well You deserve to be with someone For which your heart longs Do not feel guilty I say that it ain't wrong [Pre-chorus] We can't erase All the years we spent What we said and did And what it all meant, but… [Chorus] To every new beginning There must be an end Time to heal and grow And some to make amends My wish for you is simple It does not matter when I want you to move on You deserve to love again [Verse] I’ll never regret meeting you Or the love we shared You showed me I could be loved And that someone cared But that time has elapsed It is time to begin anew I want you to be happy That is my hope for you [Pre-chorus] We can't erase All the years we spent What we said and did And what it all meant, but… [Chorus] To every new beginning There must be an end Time to heal and grow And some to make amends My wish for you is simple It does not matter when I want you to move on You deserve to love again [End]

Song 26 - The VSB - Your Ignorance April 5th, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

--- candidate --- --- cutting room floor --- --- pulse archive --- Suno: The VSB - Your Ignorance s26v01.042

Your ignorance [verse] How could you’ve not known Your are blind to the signs It ain't only the lack of words Inaction deliberate, unkind I tried to be direct And then I tried being vague You gave no recourse To the ink on the page [pre-chorus] Have you ever felt alone In a room with those inept Screams fall silent Where apathy’s crept [Chorus] I guess when you’ve grown up this way You are immune to what's wrong I should talk to you I’ve chosen to write a song Though it might not solve much Passive aggressive am I Your ignorance boggles the mind Though there's little doubt why [verse] If you could see outside the bubble The wall around your life You’d see that I’m not there You’d know that’s not right But how can I tell you When you're brainwashed and meek There's no point in waiting For my chance to speak [verse] In time, you’ll realize your error When I have moved on You’ll see your mistake But I will be gone All the time we have wasted Together but very much alone Will one day be a testament Co-dependency carved in stone [pre-chorus] Have you ever felt alone In a room with those inept Screams fall silent Where apathy’s crept [Chorus] I guess when you’ve grown up this way You are immune to what's wrong I should talk to you I’ve chosen to write a song Though it might not solve much Passive aggressive am I Your ignorance boggles the mind Though there's little doubt why [end]

Song 25 - The VSB - Take, Take, Take March 31, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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Spy vs AI - Take, Take, Take s25v01.000 [Verse] Whatever I have, you want No matter how much I needed it first Your needs supercede mine Nothing satisfies your unquenchable thirst Your greed knows no end And when I bring it to light You tell me I am mistaken Deny with all your grit and might [Verse] And so, I try to hide it Lie about what little I own You claim that half of that is yours Mine is yours and yours alone You will never see what I see The opposite of what you think A parasite feeding off of me My possessions and money the blood you drink [Pre-chorus] Yet, you tell me you love me As if you know what that means Your definition is tainted At least, that’s how it seems To me…. [Chorus] You know what you're doing Though you say you do not As if I have no brains You claim what I got You plot your course You're on the make.make.make Under the guise of love All you do is take,take,take [Verse] My friends tried to guide me Hand me free advice Walk away with my pride She's the flip side of nice So, I left one cold morning The note left behind, it read I feel sorry for you, you're broken Take some therapy instead [Verse] She will move on I'm sure she'll find someone new They'll find out quickly What I already knew She will bleed them dry That is how she rolls That is the truth And how it all unfolds [Pre-Chorus] She'll say she loves him The poor sap will believe And everything he used to own He will have to retrieve He will see…. [Chorus] She knows what she's doing She'll say she does not Don't you believe her She has her eye on what you bought There’s calculated risk She is just plain fake,fake,fake You’ll give all you have And she will take,take,take [end]

Song 24 - The VSB - 99 March 26, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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99 [instrumental buildup] [Verse] I really try to be happy Wake every day wanting to try But then something happens And that dream slowly dies I realize I really don't have to I can still see it through Though I have to be me And here's my point of view [Verse] Anger is an emotion Just like joy, but actually not It's really the opposite Of that I must've forgot So, you wonder why I'm upset When you go with the flow I wonder why you upset me That's what I’d like to know [Prechorus] It's a misconception I'm angry 100% of the time By my calculations It's actually 99 [Chorus] 99 is not 100 In fact, it's 1% less When I say I’ve tried I’ve tried my best No, I ain't angry 100% of the time You re mistaken It's really only 99 [Verse] So many triggers Many places to vent If you listen well You’ll know what I meant I'm not pissed off The whole time I'm here So, let’s coexist Or have this reappear [Prechorus] It's a misconception I'm angry 100% of the time By my calculations It's actually 99 [Chorus] 99 is not 100 In fact, it's 1% less When I say I’ve tried I’ve tried my best No, I ain't angry 100% of the time You re mistaken It's really only 99 [end]

Song 23 - The VSB - Dance, Monkey, Dance February 20, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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Dance, Monkey, Dance [instrumental buildup] [Verse] You tell me what you want me to do All to control me and serve you You think I have no opinion or choice You will not listen to resistance or my voice You’ll never understand why I won't concede Why my wants won't coincide with your needs I see things the way they appear to be If you think I’ll bow, well, you don't know me [Pre-chorus] You pick the spot For me to stand Wonder why I resist You’ll never understand [Chorus] You call this collaboration But I’ll tell you in advance This is far from that It feels like dance, monkey, dance You’ll never see it There’s no second glance Why I’ll never view this As anything more than dance, monkey, dance [Verse] Respect is important, it must be earned A simple lesson even a dummy like you will learn You think you can order me around as a child Without alarm bells in me ringing wild? I’ve tried to tell you, give you my side A shoulder needed all for tears I’ve cried You have no time for things I’ve said You’d rather there be blind devotion instead [Pre-chorus] My resistance Was not what you planned You are way too stubborn To ever understand [Chorus] You call this collaboration But I’ll tell you in advance This is far from that It feels like dance, monkey, dance You’ll never see it There’s no second glance Why I’ll never view this As anything more than dance, monkey, dance [instrumental chorus] [end]

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Song 22 - The VSB - The Author Of My Own Demise Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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The Author Of My Own Demise F# E F# E F# F# E F# G E F# E D F# E D C# F# A E B [instrumental buildup] [verse] Got the best of intentions Those intentions do me in I have to face that I alone Are responsible for my ruin I know what I need to do What I have to, to succeed The script has been written I have to learn how to read [pre-chorus] Those around me are at a loss They don't seem to understand Why I’m struggling with this Why I don't have a plan [chorus] It's because of who I am To me, it's no surprise Why everything's so hard I'm the author of my own demise [verse] It's a serious situation But my actions contradict I go with my instincts With an outcome I predict My two steps forward Mean there's as much back My planning is faulty Anything beyond’s where I lack [pre-chorus] Those around me are at a loss They don't seem to understand Why I’m struggling with this Why I don't have a plan [chorus] It's because of who I am To me, it's no surprise Why everything's so hard I'm the author of my own demise [end]

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Song 21 - The VSB - Dear My Dad's Ashes In A Bag, In A Box On The Mantle January 12, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[intro] Dear my Dad's Ashes in a bag In a box on the mantle [verse] I'm sorry, I know where you wished to be spread Unfortunately, this is where you wound up instead I'm quite sure you can figure out why You know how she is, and I still can't drive I miss you, Dad, think about you a ton Love, Victor, your one and only son [verse] I should've visited more while you were alive I live with that long after the tears have dried I had my reasons, that's small consolation While your presence is on a permanent vacation I disappointed you, though you’d never say I hope I turn out to be half the man you were someday [verse] I don't know if you knew how important you were to me And now that you're not here, that is as clear as can be They are only words, but they need to be said You’d be relieved to know your memory, to me at least, is not dead I see you there, only a few feet from where I am Please believe me, I love you and I need you to understand [verse] Every day without you, the regret eats at my soul In my life since there's been little to fill that hole I do wonder if this is my own future from time to time But to burden the kids with that, in my opinion, is a crime It is what it is, Dad, this wasn't my intent This was not the place you wanted to be spent [outro] In conclusion, my Dad's Ashes in a bag, in a box on the mantle In your honour, I will pray you're at peace, and light a candle [end]

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Song 20 - The VSB - Had The Chance January 8, 2025 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [Chorus] I'm beginning to feel it now So.much time later With as much intensity The feeling is greater When the music played I really should've danced I should've cried When I had the chance [Verse] My parents are gone And no tears were shed I don't know why Or what's going on in my head But, I walk around now And the tears begin falling Maybe it's grief That is finally calling [verse] I was alone quite a bit With no one to call a friend No one to help me On which I could depend That time is a memory But it's fresh in my mind Because I tear up Until I wish I was blind [Pre-chorus] There's an old saying That big boys don't cry But I have no answer I’m left to wonder why [Chorus] I'm beginning to feel it now So.much time later With as much intensity The feeling is greater When the music played I really should've danced I should've cried When I had the chance [Verse] Maybe it's something beyond This apparent delay The emotion building As I’m walking away For no reason at all With no one around Those forgotten tears That familiar feel and sound [Verse] Pain is my brother He refuses to be ignored I relive all the heartbreak So much more than before But that time has passed The years have elapsed But now is the moment That die was cast [Pre-chorus] There's an old saying That big boys don't cry But I have no answer I’m left to wonder why [Chorus] I'm beginning to feel it now So.much time later With as much intensity The feeling is greater When the music played I really should've danced I should've cried When I had the chance [End]

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Song 19 - The VSB - When It Rains December 28, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [Chorus] When it rains I can't help but feel That emotions are Prominent, feelings are real A reflection of What life has become Great for many Not so for some [Verse] When skies are blue Not a cloud in sight It's hard to feel wrong When things look right When skies they darken It colours your mood I know it to be so A dramatic interlude [Pre-chorus] It's really only rain As critical as air Your life should be separate Should not be a pair [Chorus] When it rains I can't help but feel That emotions are Prominent, feelings are real A reflection of What life has become Great for many Not so for some [Verse] Rain is like tears The same on your skin Without all the pain Tied up within Time in this state Will wear on your soul How long is, well… Beyond your control [Pre-chorus] It is only rain Nothing more than that Don't feel something When you can't make it back [Chorus] When it rains I can't help but feel That emotions are Prominent, feelings are real A reflection of What life has become Great for many Not so for some [Verse] You can find shelter You can get dry You can move on And not ask yourself why But rain it will come On that you can rely You will wish it wasn't You’ll long to be dry [Chorus] When it rains I can't help but feel That emotions are Prominent, feelings are real A reflection of What life has become Great for many Not so for some [End]

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Song 18 - The VSB - No Promises December 26, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [Verse] My Dad taught me well Through mistakes he made There was a price And, believe me, he paid He’d tell me something But never followed through And when you're a kid That sticks with you [Verse] There are certain expressions You’ll always remember That show your true colours Real, or pretender I’ve carried that lesson Through to who I am today And it is something You’ll never hear me say [Pre-chorus] You can't break a promise If it's never been made For me, that's a game That's never been played [Chorus] Either do it or don't You can even say you’ll try But no excuse will cut it Nothing will fly You won't accuse me of it None that I’ll see You will never get Any “promise” from me [Verse] My Dad wasn't perfect He made some mistakes I know he tried hard No matter the stakes He laid the foundation Of what it means to me To be a better person For my kids to see [Pre-chorus] You can't break a promise If it's never been made For me, that's a game That's never been played [Chorus] Either do it or don't You can even say you’ll try But no excuse will cut it Nothing will fly You won't accuse me of it None that I’ll see You will never get Any “promise” from me [end]

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Song 17 - The VSB - Blame December 26, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[Verse] I’ve heard it said that words can hurt So much more than sticks or stones I am here to say that is true And I wish it were just my bones Bones will mend, spirit will not My reactions are not always for spite Often, they can tell a story So that you can see the light [Pre-chorus] There's always a reason Behind every action or thought And you’ll never know it Unless you are taught [Chorus] I’ll accept blame If you’ll share in some, too There's always a reason Sometimes that reason is you I never set out to be difficult Though it might look that way I hope there's understanding A peace to find someday [Verse] I should be the bigger man Advised to not react That is impossible A very unlikely act But my timing needs work Not everything's a fight Even though I could, and do Because that is my right [Verse] My warning is this Be advised I could snap There'd be a reason And that reason is apt Don't be that reason Or feel my wrath My fury is epic Justified and “hell hath” [Pre-chorus] There's always a reason Behind every action or thought And you’ll never know it Unless you are taught [Chorus] I’ll accept blame If you’ll share in some, too There's always a reason Sometimes that reason is you I never set out to be difficult Though it might look that way I hope there's understanding A peace to find someday [end]

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Song 16 - The VSB - If You Cared December 11, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[chorus] If you cared I would’ve already known And I wouldn’t have felt That I was alone If you cared It’d be no question Not a statement Or even a suggestion [Verse] I won’t lie to you I’m not doing well I use a mask So you couldn’t even tell My smile is forced I do it for you So you have no idea The stuff I’m going through [prechorus] I am aware that words Can only go so far It’s the actions that follow That prove who you are [chorus] [verse] I’m stubborn, I know I don’t ask for help But I also know I can’t do this myself If you figured that out I’m proud you’re a friend So proud in fact I will say it again [Verse] I know I ain’t easy Not wired that way The ones who know me Are the ones that’ll stay My heart has a place It’s worn on my sleeve It can be broken That’s left to be believed

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Song 15 - The VSB - I Live For The Day You Die November 30, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[Chorus] I’ve never hated someone So much in my life I’d never think I’d kill And be envious of the knife To end your breathing Would be such a fuckin’ high Living means I get to I live for the day you die [Verse] Didn’t happen overnight In time, resentment grew I began fantasizing About no more you With every passing day I dreamt about your death Wondering if the last one Would be your final breath [Verse] You are not my family And this was not my home I give you as much respect To me, as little you’ve shown Yes, I loved your daughter But, even that has faded For some reason she loves you And so, my love is jaded [Pre-chorus] I should feel bad For feeling as I do On second thought Fuck you [Chorus] I’ve never hated someone So much in my life I’d never think I’d kill And be envious of the knife To end your breathing Would be such a fuckin’ high Living means I get to I live for the day you die [Verse] At your funeral I’ll be there With a smile on my face Knowing you’re where you belong In that fiery place I will continue on And my days will be bright Goodbye you fuckin’ bitch Aloha, ciao, moreso good night

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Song 14 - The VSB - Idiot November 16, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [chorus] You’re an idiot Stupid A moron du jour And I believe For you There’s no known cure [verse] I’m not into name calling It’s a waste of time I choose to stick to facts But I can’t let this go I won’t pretend it’s okay Can’t seem to relax [verse] You think you know something You’re saying you do Your something’s not So I will set you straight For your hungry mind Here’s some food for thought [chorus] You’re an idiot Stupid A moron du jour And I believe For you There’s no known cure [verse] Your actions are telling So are your words And they ain’t pretty You don’t get the hint You can’t relate And that’s quite the pity [verse] Well, here it is The point of it all The reason for this rant If you think this is About someone else It’s because you can’t [chorus] You’re an idiot Stupid A moron du jour And I believe For you There’s no known cure

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Song 13 - The VSB - Choice September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [Verse] Things have altered The world will wait One person made a choice To tempt fate They were free to do so Freedom has a price They chose so poorly They chose to do it twice [Pre-chorus] I have no choice But have apathy rule Against such idiocy I don’t have the tools [Chorus] One person chose To use their voice Have their actions reflect Their freedom of choice No comprehension Of what that will mean And the blood on their hands Will never come clean [Verse] It’s only opinion But it’s all I’ve got If you think I’ve accepted this I have not I’ve chosen not to say Not for scorn or for fear But for what I’d do If I had one of them here [Pre-chorus] I have no choice But have apathy rule Against such idiocy I don’t have the tools [Chorus] One person chose To use their voice Have their actions reflect Their freedom of choice No comprehension Of what that will mean And the blood on their hands Will never come clean [end]

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Song 12 - The VSB - Dead to Me November 2, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [verse] Wasn’t always this way But things, they change Don’t want to know you That much is true Don’t want to see you You and I are through I want you to forget That we ever met [prechorus] Cannot say it any more plain You’ve caused so much pain [chorus] You continue to breathe But you are dead to me Dead as dead can be You are dead to me [verse] The truth is now known I am better off alone You think you know the score But you are selfish to the core You won’t know any better All the time we were together I want these memories to fade For my happiness I won’t trade [prechorus] It seems bad to say But there can be no other way [chorus] You continue to breathe But you are dead to me As dead as dead can be You are dead to me [final flourish] [end]

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Song 11 - The VSB - (If You Knew) What I Was Thinking October 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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Just because my mouth is shut Don’t think I got little to say Stuff’s happening behind the scenes The game dictates will I play Ain’t what you say, it’s how and when The rules are as they’ve always been I know the side I’m on And I keep my pieces within Don’t think it’s weakness The reason I let you win What’s beneath the surface Ain’t only covered by skin Sure, you could believe That the cause is my drinking But there’s cause for concern If you knew what I was thinking You might not like it If you knew what I was thinking I’m stubborn and opinionated And that’s not all I portray There’s a level of discretion Behind what I choose to say I hold my cards to my chest I won’t play my hand If you had a clue, an idea You’d absolutely understand Don’t think you’ve won I keep my thoughts within What’s beneath the surface Ain’t only covered by skin You could believe That the cause is the drinking But there’s cause for concern If you knew what I was thinking You might not like it If you knew what I was thinking

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Song 10 - The VSB - The Right Side Of Wrong October 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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From where I stand Is a place I walk alone It feels familiar It feels just like home I’ve found myself Relating with so few At odds with so many But this is what I choose There are those Who confuse opinion and fact They pick sides With little decorum or tact Well, I won’t stand by Without stating my case They get defensive When I’m in their face I leave no doubt My position and such Some say too loudly Some believe way too much I make no apologies For how I feel It ain’t popular, true Not mass appeal My impact undeniable My words are strong Here, often, I am On the right side of wrong I rail against the ones Who tarnish my shine Besmirch my character Belittle what’s mine I won’t be silent Until I’m not able Though that’s unlikely A fantastical fable

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Song 9 - The VSB - As The Sun Was Going Down September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[verse] In the latter moments of the day As the sun shot its’ best A long way from the East Its’ eyes settled on the west [verse] The wind died down as it does And the birds lost their tune Another day was written With one more coming soon [Chorus] Night is as constant as It falls with little sound And with it, memories awaken As the sun is going down [verse] The days they pile up Turn to weeks, months and years The second you remember one That feeling disappears [verse] And as the planet we inhabit Spins at a steady pace Around the star providing warmth With everlasting grace

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Song 8 - The VSB - Better Than I Was Before September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[verse] When I was younger I cared about no one but me And all I said and did Was all I lived and breathed As the years wore on I got lonely and came to terms That maybe that was wrong And slowly I learned [Verse] The man I was becoming Was the one I left behind That one was selfish, bitter Wrapped up in his own mind I wanted to be different Begin caring about my view How I appeared to others How I looked to you [Bridge] The transformation began I cared more than ever I began to see consequences I became better [Chorus] Better than I was before More than I once was I knew it had to happen I knew it because A life lived alone Is not the life I need The blood I shed before Is not the blood I bleed [Verse] I knew I had to change Couldn’t remain the same Even if I knew the reasons And faced the awful shame The years I wasted Will not be repeated When acceptance was all Everything I needed

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Song 7 - The VSB - You Know My Name September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[verse] This path I choose is not for everyone Not for the faint of heart There are pitfalls and landmines Designed to rip me apart I know I might seek them out Just to prove that I exist Sometimes I think I seek them out To get so fuckin’ pissed [prechorus] All I seem to do these days Is hang up on that cross But the meat of the matter is I know who’s the boss [verse] Anger fuels me in a way Not much can Can’t tell if it’s karma In control of that plan I set out to be different It winds up the same But you should know better You know my name [verse] The words hide a meaning That are locked inside I alone know what that is Come along for the ride I might’ve said it before My memory’s broken I can’t remember all Or every word I’ve spoken

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Song 6 - The VSB - Taste The Hate September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[chorus] I’ll let you in Give you a taste The anger, the bile The hate Try your luck Tempt your fate And you will Taste the hate [verse] Behind my eyes The world within Underneath Thinly veiled skin I sit in judgment With my thoughts I know more Than you forgot [prechorus] I’m not right But I ain’t wrong You’re now famous You made my song [chorus] I’ll let you in Give you a taste The anger, the bile The hate Try your luck Tempt your fate And you will Taste the hate [verse] Won’t deny my feelings Or they will build They are pointed, Directed, venom-filled Whence they came Is who I am Stand against If you believe you can [verse] The reserve eternal Life’s like that Vitriol unending Targets grow fat My fire is bright You’re the spark My bite can bite It ain’t just bark

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Song 5 - The VSB - Go to Hell September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[chorus] You say go to hell No denyin’ what you tell It’s as clear as a bell I wanna know, though Where you expect me to go Not that you care How can I go when I’m already there? And it’s you, baby, you put me there [verse] As plain as the lines on my face The years of neglect and disgrace I hung on thinking I could do better But the time piled on that we were together All the promises were such a waste The arguments, fighting, profanity-laced You told me something to set me straight To make such an impact, but baby, wait…. [Bridge] To send me to hell is your wish Along with so many there on your list Don’t give me time to contemplate What I will do, it won’t be great For you… [chorus] You say go to hell No denyin’ what you tell It’s as clear as a bell I wanna know, though Where you expect me to go Not that you care How can I go when I’m already there? And it’s you, baby, you put me there [verse] Sometimes love is a chore You have no clue what’s in store You wonder what’s the sense Every day kept in suspense Always you vs me, me vs you Dealing with what you put me through You’d have me go away But, darling, that’s why I say [Bridge] To send me to hell is your wish Along with so many there on your list Don’t give me time to contemplate What I will do, it won’t be great For you… [chorus] You say go to hell No denyin’ what you tell It’s as clear as a bell I wanna know, though Where you expect me to go Not that you care How can I go when I’m already there? And it’s you, baby, you put me there

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Song 4 - The VSB - Hope September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [verse] I open my eyes To face one more day A chance to prove That I’ll belong someday Disappointment I must overcome My legacy is written Before it is done [verse] There’s no guide No roadmap, no signs To this life I lead This one I call mine I walk this path The one I choose My instincts will show That I’ve paid my dues [chorus] I’ve wondered what’s the point The reason I’m here Why I don’t end it Is it pride, or is it fear? Against everything ever My tendency is cope For, one day I’ll be happy That day’s called hope [verse] I wonder if I’m foolish Numbingly naive To think I’ll win In one word; reprieve Or will things continue To push me to the end I refuse to break When I can simply bend [verse] I exist in my space The one where I rule I control what I can Because things can be cruel I need some reason Some length to the rope The one that leads me That reason is hope.

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Song 3 - The VSB - Alone September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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I hope I said all the right things I want to be the one who cared Want to be seen as selfless With every word I shared But I know I haven’t made it easy I keep getting in the way By being the one I’ve become I contradict every word I say Comfortable in writing it down But my words and actions clash Should be working on a future Not carrying around my past I’m well aware of the burden But, you’ve a choice, my friend You could choose to walk away And leave me alone in the end The blame in all this is mine And mine alone I must learn this lesson Or I will wind up alone I wonder if I’m repeating myself By writing one more verse And yet, I find I’m still writing Is this a blessing, or a curse? You could say I’ve said this before And, while this could be fact The truth is this could be reality If I don’t learn how to act

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Song 2 - The VSB - Never Said I was Perfect September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[instrumental buildup] [Chorus] Never said I was perfect As human as the rest I do push those boundaries I put that to the test Never said I was perfect Because that’d be a lie Uncomfortable with that Ain’t a lyin’ kind of guy [verse] I made a mistake Of that, I’ll admit I’m still the same person Not some worthless piece of shit I carry with me this guilt Remorse for what I’ve done Yes, I’ve made a mistake Thank God it’s only one [verse] I’ve apologized at length Every chance I could find But you choose to ignore it As if you are blind Our friendship’s in peril This situation’s just cause You crucify my reputation According to your laws [Pre-chorus] Relationships are fragile Any missed step You’ll become a pariah If it hasn’t happened yet [Chorus] Never said I was perfect As human as the rest I do push those boundaries I put that to the test Never said I was perfect Because that would be a lie Uncomfortable with that Ain’t a lyin’ kind of guy [verse] I want to move past this Of that you won’t allow As if way back then Is the one that I am now Only so much I can say These are cold, hard facts But, this is a lesson And what’s been learned intact [Pre-chorus] Friendship’s sacred You are on the clock One false move and A friend is what you’re not [Chorus] Never said I was perfect As human as the rest I do push those boundaries I put that to the test Never said I was perfect Because that would be a lie Uncomfortable with that Ain’t a lyin’ kind of guy [end]

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Song 1 - The VSB - Unaware September 29, 2024 Lyrics by Victor Smallwood

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[Verse 1] You'd think I woulda learned Things don't always go as planned But sometimes it takes a little bit For me to understand Now I'm cleaning up the mess The fallout and what it means To have everything you had built Falling apart at the seams [Chorus] I shoulda saw it coming But I was unaware It hit me like a hammer I didn't have a prayer [Verse 2] I was looking one way and then It came at me from another It really made an impact And really did a number I'd like to think it won't happen again But I know how I get I try to see the good in everyone And that hasn't happened yet [Chorus] I shoulda saw it coming But I was unaware It hit me like a hammer I didn't have a prayer [Bridge] I used to trust so easily Believing every word Now I see the warning signs And lessons learned You live, you learn, you guard your heart From breaking down again The road is rough, but I'll stay tough And won't be fooled again [Verse 3] You can't make this stuff up It's as true as true can be Learn from my mistakes Don't be like me Being naive ain't no way to live Instincts can be trusted Call them out for what they are And they will know they're busted [Chorus] I shoulda saw it coming But I was unaware It hit me like a hammer I didn't have a prayer [Verse 4] The older I get The less I'm caught Things are how they are Sometimes they're not They wait until you're busy And try to take liberties So stay vigilant By variant degrees [Chorus] I shoulda saw it coming But I was unaware It hit me like a hammer I didn't have a prayer [Chorus] I shoulda saw it coming But I was unaware It hit me like a hammer I didn't have a prayer [end] [Chorus] I shoulda saw it coming But I was unaware It hit me like a hammer I didn't have a prayer [final flourish] [end]