Vicious Circle

[Verse 1]
I saw the gate half-open
Paint flaked on the floor
A ring of chalk in the dirt
And a face I knew before

The air went thin around it
My name went soft and small
You said, “Just step inside now”
But I heard the warning call

[Pre-Chorus]
The path began to fold
Like smoke around my feet
One turn became a promise
Then another under me

I held my breath and listened
To the hush behind the trees
It said, “Once you start to circle
You don’t get back for free”

[Chorus]
The vicious circle
Don’t get in it
The vicious circle
Don’t let it in

It bites your heel
It pulls you under
The vicious circle
Run, run, run

[Verse 2]
I watched the ones who lingered
With their eyes gone glass and bright
They smiled like they remembered
A name they lost that night

They walked in tighter circles
Around the same old pain
Each step a little smaller
Each prayer a little vain

[Pre-Chorus]
The path began to fold
Like smoke around my feet
One turn became a promise
Then another under me

I held my breath and listened
To the hush behind the trees
It said, “Once you start to circle
You don’t get back for free”

[Chorus]
The vicious circle
Don’t get in it
The vicious circle
Don’t let it in

It bites your heel
It pulls you under
The vicious circle
Run, run, run

[Bridge]
If you want to live
Leave it there
Break that ring
And take the stairs

No more touch
No more trance
Turn your face
And get your chance

[Chorus]
The vicious circle
Don’t get in it
The vicious circle
Don’t let it in

It bites your heel
It pulls you under
The vicious circle
Run, run, run