Not a Backup
Track 10 of Third Choice
[ Lyrics ]
I’m not a backup—I’m the main event leaving. Used to save a seat in my Friday night, just in case your plans collapsed in flight. Knew all your excuses by heart, no script— ‘One day’ was code for ‘I forgot to commit.’ I dressed up my pain like it was a date, watched my reflection grow out of that face. No more replies at 2 a.m. with a heart, no more your safety net—no more your art. I lit your world when yours went dim, but I won’t burn slow just to fit your whim. My light’s not yours to borrow or return— today, I’m taking every flame I earned. I’m not a backup—I’m the main event leaving. No more on deck, no more pretending. I’m not a backup—I’m the show that won’t re-open, this chapter’s done, the set is broken. Deleted the folder with your voice notes, ‘Heyyy, you up?’—played one too long. Canceled my habit of checking your spot, no more my name at the end of your list, no. I was the favor you called in last, the friend you text when the vibe went flat. But even the moon stops chasing the sun— I’m not a satellite, I’m someone. I gave you grace like it had no cost, but I’m reclaiming every ounce I lost. No more your echo, no second verse— I’m the first and only in my own universe. I’m not a backup—I’m the main event leaving. No more on deck, no more believing. I’m not a backup—I’m the show that won’t re-open, this chapter’s done, the set is broken. I won’t be the one you return to when you’re tired, the soft place to land when your fire’s expired. I won’t be the sound when your silence gets loud, I’m not your maybe—I’m my own damn vow. I’m not a backup—I’m the main event leaving. Booked solid now, no room for deception. I’m not a backup—I’m the truth you can’t misread, I’m not a shadow—I’m the light instead. No more standby… no more maybe… Yeah… I think I’m good. On my own.